The International Ski Federation (FIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Global Sports Investigations (GSI) to deliver and operate a series of governance reforms including a whistleblowing hotline, an independent ethics office for the preliminary assessment of concerns raised, as well as providing ancillary intelligence support.

By appointing GSI to deliver this independent facility to enable concerns to be raised and dealt with sensitively, confidentially and appropriately, FIS is taking the lead in best practice governance and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in the sports of skiing and snowboarding.

Global Sports Investigations (GSI), a joint venture between The Sports Consultancy and Quest delivers a combined team of expert investigators, lawyers and consultants – specifically in sport – offering sporting bodies: scoping and consultation; investigations; ongoing monitoring; recommendations, and implementation. This end-to-end offering is unique in the sports world. From expert knowledge and experience on betting, integrity and athlete welfare, to anti-doping, governance and transparency, safeguarding and commercial rights, GSI advises and investigates on all fronts.

Commenting on the appointment Robert Datnow, Joint Managing Director, The Sports Consultancy said, “we are thrilled that the FIS has recognised the importance of a service such as ours and is a great example of how GSI has made huge steps forward since its launch last December. One of the reasons for this, is that in a climate of ever-increasing scrutiny into the welfare of athletes, and the rising emphasis on integrity, transparency and the better governance of sport, the need for truly independent, sports-specific, professional management of investigations and inquiries has never been more paramount.”

Eddie Marshbaum, Director of Sports Integrity at Quest added, “we are delighted to be working with the FIS on such a vital initiative. By providing a strictly independent, dedicated facility for concerns to be raised, evaluated and addressed, FIS is taking the lead in applying best practice governance and ensuring that the highest standards of integrity are maintained within the organisation and the sports of skiing and snowboarding.”

FIS Vice President and Chairman of the Doping Panel Patrick Smith stated, “the implementation by FIS of the system to handle breaches of governance, through GSI as an independent and highly reputed specialist, is a key step to demonstrate the importance of protecting the integrity of sport and FIS. This measure sends a clear message that FIS is totally committed to its stated “no tolerance” policy against all aspects of unethical behaviour; including doping, corruption, manipulation of competitions and safeguarding against harassment and abuse”