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last mo.

Philippe Candeloro Elected President of French Ice Sports Federation

His narrow win hands a high-profile former Olympic medallist a mandate to shore up weak finances and prepare federated disciplines for the prospect of the 2030 Winter Games.

Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP [Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP]

Overview

  • Candeloro defeated incumbent Gwenaëlle Noury in a two-round vote, winning roughly 51.35% to 46.77% with a margin of fewer than 50 votes.
  • He campaigned on using his fame and business experience to attract sponsors and stage more events as a direct response to the federation’s tight finances.
  • The FFSG reported a modest net surplus of about €29,000 on a roughly €5 million budget in 2025, which leaves little room for new programs without new revenue.
  • Smaller disciplines have voiced strong discontent and the federation faces fragmentation risks after long-track speed skating left in 2022 and short-track has explored joining the roller federation for better development.
  • Candeloro has said he will reshape his public image, calm inter-discipline tensions, and focus on steady change to position the federation for the possible 2030 Winter Olympics in France.