Long-time IBU President Besseberg banned for life

According to a report from the Integrity Unit of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), Besseberg has failed in his bid to prevent a lifetime suspension before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

According to the CAS ruling, Besseberg had engaged in unethical behavior over a long period of time, including accepting inappropriate gifts. He had also committed serious breaches of integrity.

According to Norwegian media, a hearing was held before the CAS in Lausanne last year. Material from the trial in Hokksund is said to have played a central role, which the CAS recognized as evidence.

The 79-year-old Besseberg was sentenced to three years and one month in prison in his home country last April. Besseberg, who was IBU President from 1993 to 2018, was found guilty on nine out of ten charges. He is alleged to have covered up doping in Russian teams for decades. In return, the Russians had rewarded him with bribes, luxury watches, hunting trips and prostitutes.