In the wake of the recent sprint competition in Val di Fiemme, Finland's cross-country skiing head coach Teemu Pasanen has openly criticized the conduct of both Norway and the United States teams for allegedly violating the rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS). According to Pasanen, the U.S. team used glide waxes during the sprint heats, while Norway reportedly brought an electric wax machine to the service area during the competition. These actions are said to contravene FIS regulations which prohibit interference with the glide zones once the heats have commenced.

Pasanen voiced his frustration over the situation, emphasizing that FIS seems unable to adequately enforce its own rules, which raises questions about fairness in the competition. He stated, "It is truly a dire situation. If some countries can do whatever they want, it is not at all fair." His comments underscore concerns regarding the integrity of the sport, particularly when it comes to compliance with established regulations meant to ensure a level playing field among all participating nations.

The issue was brought to Pasanen's attention by Germany's head coach Markus Cramer during the women's 10-kilometer race. Cramer, who was in the coaching zone with Pasanen, shared footage that evidenced the alleged rule violations, further fueling Pasanen's indignation. This scandal not only raises potential implications for the teams involved but also calls for a more stringent enforcement of FIS regulations to protect the credibility of cross-country skiing competitions at all levels.