Kläbo refuses to wear the sponsor's logo - threatens to stand over competitions

It was during Monday that the conflict between Johannes Hösflot Kläbo and the Norwegian Ski Association became known in the Norwegian Adresseavisen.

Viaplay, which is part of Nent, which now owns the rights to the World Cup in cross-country skiing, has a commercial collaboration with the Norwegian Ski Association and the skiers must therefore wear the logo on the competition clothing.

But in Ruka, the sprint star refused to wear the logo.

- I think it is problematic that Viaplay sponsors the association.

On the one hand, they must cover the sport of skiing journalistically.

On the other hand, they are a commercial sponsor.

It can be questioned.

When questions are asked about our independence and credibility, someone must warn, he tells Adresseavisen.

"Have said where I think"

The 25-year-old believes that the agreement is not good for either party.

For Kläbo, it is a matter of principle and a position.

- I have said what I think about the matter.

But I will not speculate about how the ski association will rule in the future, he told NRK on Tuesday.

Even though it is an Olympic season, he thinks it is worth taking the conflict.

- It is now as it is relevant.

I am convinced of my credibility and independence in relation to the media.

This is an important matter of principle and I am willing to discuss it, even though it is an Olympic season.

Threatens to stand over competitions

If he is forced to wear the logo, he may be in charge of the competitions in Lillehammer, which starts on Friday.

- Then I have to think.

Maybe I will take my grandfather to Skeikampen (a ski resort outside Lillehammer) and drive some hard passes there instead, says Kläbo to Adresseavisen.

The ski association does not want to comment on the conflict right now.

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, says the Norwegian cross-country skiing manager Esper Bjervig in a press release.