– I reacted quite critically to the fact that the candidates, also through the NIF channels, had publicly promoted their candidacy, and did not wait for the process that the election committee had prepared, Parmann told NRK.

Experienced presidents of basketball associations believe that the timing of the announcement will affect the work of the selection committee.

– It only contributes to interfering with the judgment of the good and unpopular selection committee, which we have democratically elected to do this job for us, Parmann told NRK.

Neither the Basketball Association of Norway, Volleyball Association Norway, Student Sports Association, Boarding Association Norway nor the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association have so far put forward candidates for the presidential race.

– But if that has been said, we can and must have views on the recommendations that will be put forward by the selection committee. But before that, I will and must not say anything, unless the selection committee itself proposes a different type of process, said Parmann.

Norwegian Ice Hockey Association president and parliamentary representative, Tage Pettersen (H), disagreed with Parmann.

– Of course, the candidate must be able to appear and promote himself before the selection committee begins its work properly. That is the candidate’s way forward. But I can participate in the discussion whether it’s right to use sports channels, Pettersen told NRK and explained:

– I believe that a natural part of the selection process is to be as open as possible about the relevant candidate as early as possible. I feel that Parmann believes that candidates should only be promoted through the selection committee, and we should sit quietly on the ship until they finish their job. But I agree with him that it’s strange to use the NIF information department to self-promote.

Kjøll told NRK that he made the selection committee aware that he wanted to be open about his candidacy publicly to avoid further speculation.

– I have received many questions about whether I should run for re-election, both from the media and from other people. I certainly have great respect for the work of the selection committee and look forward to a good, open and orderly process leading up to the 2023 Sports Council, Kjøll wrote via SMS on Monday evening.

The pandemic has become the biggest challenge

Kjøll has been president of sport since May 2019, when he was elected with a majority of just two votes on the Sports Council. From then on, he has extensive managerial experience from the business world.

– I’m very motivated to continue the work of turning around the downturn and ensuring a good framework for Norwegian sport after the pandemic, said Kjøll in a press release on Monday morning.

In the press release, Kjøll made specific mention of the power crisis, which he believes threatens to intensify an already serious sporting situation, and which will push framework conditions even tougher in the future.

– Both the majority of people and countries have had to tighten up on finances, at the same time we are struggling with dropouts, greater inequalities regarding whether people can afford to participate, and a backlog of perks. It’s a problem I’m passionate about and want to contribute to ensuring continuity in teamwork to solve, says Kjøll.

He stressed to NRK that the pandemic has been the biggest challenge in the three and a half years he has been president.

– Achieving good and strong skeletal condition during the pandemic has been paramount for Norwegian sport. In good and close dialogue with the authorities, we were very successful there. In addition, we have worked a lot with ethical and safe sports, he said.

Anti-doping crisis

In late summer, the Norwegian Sports Confederation was criticized for a lack of foresight regarding the anti-doping crisis, as Norway as an extreme result could be banned from international championships in the 15-18 age group.

The cause of the crisis was Norway’s interpretation of a special law meaning that athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 cannot be tested for doping without their parents’ consent.

– The NIF can of course immediately notify the specialized confederations, but it is natural that the sports council will first be informed of the status of the case, and then the organisation, as it is planned to do directly after the sports council meeting, said Kjøll NRK in August.

A potential female race for president

The sports president feels that he has broad and unanimous support within the sports organizationBut must be reckoned with potential opponents.

In an interview with VG in September, former Norsk Tipping director Åsne Havnelid said he had not ruled out running as a candidate. Havnelid was previously the day manager of Top Sports Center and assistant head of top sports.

– A candidate for president of a sport is not something you sign up for, it’s what the sport itself has to ask for, Havnelid told NRK.

– I have received some informal questions if I want to ask, he added.

Kjøll confirmed on NRK that Havnelid contacted him earlier this fall to say he wanted to run for president.

– Then there will be the two of us, Kjøll answered Havnelid’s question.

Election committee chairman Terje Roel told NRK that sports clubs and special associations have been reminded that if they wish to promote candidates for president and other positions, they must submit them to the election committee by 10 December.

– I love sports, and have been in sports all my life. Sport is perhaps more important now than ever, with key tasks such as preventing dropouts and getting a better frame of mind, says Åsne Havnelid.

Labor politician and leader of the Holmlia Sports Club, Zaineb Al-Samarai, was also mentioned as a candidate. He wouldn’t comment on that.

– I have answered to the selection committee that I am willing to be re-elected to the sports council. It’s always fun to mention. But now the organization and election committee must be allowed to do their job, said Al-Samarai.