Former president of the International Biathlon Union admitted in court that he had a connection with a Russian prostitute.

Former head of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Anders Besseberg admitted in court to his intimate relationship with a Russian prostitute. He reported this during the hearings at the Appeal Court on April 25. Besseberg revealed that they met in 2016 and her name was Eva. He also stated that it was a normal summer adventure and he was not concerned that these women worked as prostitutes. The 79-year-old Besseberg received a lifetime ban from holding positions in sports organizations related to biathlon due to corruption cases involving links and bribes from Russia. He was also accused of supporting Russian interests in an anti-doping context.

Analysis: Besseberg, who was president of the IBU for 25 years, became embroiled in a corruption scandal that significantly damaged the reputation of biathlon. His accusations of bribery and support for Russian interests only highlight problems at the leadership level of this sports organization. Moreover, his admission of sexual relationships with prostitutes makes this case even more scandalous. This scandal may intensify public negativity towards biathlon and increase the demand for reforms in the governance of this sport.