In an opinion piece, it is argued that the International Ski Federation (FIS) is failing to uphold its own regulations during the Olympics, leading to serious scandals that undermine the integrity of the sport. Two notable incidents highlighted involve unfair situations during the sprint events, where FIS did not impose proper sanctions for violations. This raises questions about whether FIS is genuinely committed to maintaining the seriousness of cross-country skiing.

The controversies began on February 12, during which it was revealed that the U.S. waxing manager, Oleg Ragilo, had brought a bottle of wax remover into the service area, which is strictly prohibited. Although Ragilo claimed he only used it to clean his hands, the justification fell short, yet FIS chose not to intervene or take action against this breach. Moreover, Norway's waxing manager, Tord Hegdahl, was also permitted by FIS to use an electric waxing machine during a time where such tools should not be applied.

These incidents reflect poorly on FIS’s oversight capabilities, prompting concerns about the accountability and fairness in competitive skiing. The piece calls for urgent action to address these lapses and restore the credibility of the sport, emphasizing that without timely intervention, the situation is only likely to deteriorate further, which could have long-lasting implications for the sport's reputation and governance.