Biathlon: Julia Simon, suspended for six months including five suspended, will be able to take part in the 2026 Olympics
Late on Thursday, Julia Simon was summoned to appear before the national disciplinary committee of the French Ski Federation (FFS). Nearly two weeks after being found guilty of theft and swindling by the criminal court in Albertville (Savoie), and given a suspended three-month prison sentence and a €15,000 fine, the Beaufort native’s sporting future was on the line at this hearing, which began at 6pm.
It was finally at the very end of the evening, at precisely 11.37pm, that the press release from the FFS press office arrived.
“Today, 6 November 2025, following the debates and hearing of Ms Julia Simon and on the basis of the federal investigation file, the criminal investigation and the elements of the criminal court hearing, the French Ski Federation’s National Disciplinary Commission has pronounced the following sanctions against Ms Julia Simon”, it begins.
And he revealed the decisions taken: “A temporary ban of 6 months from taking part in competitions and training sessions organised or authorised by the FFS and the IBU, of which 5 months will be suspended. A fine of €30,000, of which €15,000 is suspended, to be paid to the FFS within 6 months and allocated to the training of young biathletes.
Missing out on the Bessans training camp and the Östersund World Cup
With the decision taking effect on Friday 7 November 2025, Julia Simon will not be able to take part in the first leg of the World Cup scheduled from 29 November to 7 December in Östersund (Sweden).
She will also be absent from the last federal training camp of the preparation period, scheduled for this Friday in Bessans (Savoie). However,with this sanction, the Savoyard will be able to take part in the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
“The Federation takes note of this extremely severe decision and reserves the right to lodge an appeal with the Federal Appeals Council, a possibility which is open to both the Federation and Julia Simon within 7 days of notification”, it finally stated.
- “I recognise the facts”: Julia Simon admits to theft and fraud at her trial
- Julia Simon given three-month suspended prison sentence and fined €15,000 in bank card fraud case
- Sentencing of Julia Simon: reaction from the French Ski Federation, which “takes note” of the verdict
- Julia Simon case: FFS national disciplinary committee to meet on 6 November
- “Such behaviour may fall under the code of integrity”: Julia Simon could also be sanctioned by the Biathlon Integrity Unit
- Julia Simon case: how the FFS national disciplinary committee will proceed and the range of sanctions it may impose
