- Criticism Northug Agreement is completely incomprehensible – Dagbladet.no

(Dagbladet): FIS reacts strongly to criticism from NRK commentator Fredrik Aukland around agreement with Petter Northug who is now signed.

Aukland claims that Northug is the winner, and that FIS has gone from its principles to land the deal.

It ensures that skiing stars included in the national team and will compete for Norway the next three seasons.

General Stein Opsal in ski federation says he is very surprised Aukland, who claimed the Sport TV news Sunday that FIS swallowing camels in this case.

– Fredrik Aukland takes fundamental errors. Criticism of the agreement completely incomprehensible. We have not swallowed a single camel. And it is surprising that he makes statements that he makes, without knowing the details of the deal, says Opsal in a rebuttal to Dagbladet.

Northug took contact

The Secretary-General wishes to emphasize that it was Northug who took contact for continuing the dialogue, after the FIS had said stop.

– Sept. 13 gave associated clear message that now was the time limit expired and put his foot down for further negotiations. Petter Northug of the day was irrelevant for the Norwegian national team. A few days later wanted Northug to resume talks, explaining Opsal.

He tells of a dialogue, after the FIS accepted desired from Northug.

– There is so much fundamental errors in it Aukland alleges, that we feel we must refute it. Although what we want is peace around the theme, and that it will be quiet for Petter says Opsal.

Opsal stresses that all the way have been desirable to have a predictable long-term agreement for both parties case.

– At the first agreement was on an annual basis, was solely because we would feel a bit forward in a new situation. There are also direct wrong that we have had four on anything. The times are not stretched when Petter be included in the national team and go out again. It is only practical adjustments relative to the start of the World Cup, says Opsal.

He emphasizes that long term agreements are common among athletes, and that private sponsorship is also quite relevant.

– Petter challenged

– We wish our athletes the best, and we also help in such situations. It is Peter who has challenged this approach with the controversial between Norway Group and SPAR Agreement to Ski Federation, said Opsal.

The Secretary-General says that was imposed against Petter Northug, when talks were resumed with regard to adjustments in relation to clothing collection and the new concept Northug TV.

– A future fashion collection must be undertaken in collaboration with FIS clothing supplier. And television concept must be adapted to the rules for similar products, said Opsal.

He says Ski Federation did not want to go into a further discussion of the topic.

– There are sponsors we obey. And while these reports that the fine can live with that Petter Northug has its own sponsors in the summer, so this has always been the basis for special agreement, said Opsal.

He concludes:

– We feel we have a good deal. And we go out of this with a straight back.