SKi background: Norway's Petter Northug risks being deprived World Cup

Oslo - The Norwegian Ski Federation on Monday decided to deprive the multiple world champion and Olympic Petter Northug of participating in the cross country World Cup 2015/2016 without an agreement on the question of sponsors.

Local media, however, that the door was not irrevocably closed as long as the depth of 29, the Norwegian Public adulation, eventually yield to the conditions imposed by national authorities.

"No athlete can be selected to represent Norway in international competition without an agreement with the Norwegian Ski Federation," said the latter in a statement.

"Petter Northug did not want to sign a proposal (...) agree to the coming season (...) We regret this," she added.

Northug is at loggerheads with the Federation since signing in 2013 a juicy individual sponsorship agreement with the Coop retail chain, direct competitor of the official sponsor of the national team, Spar.

After a compromise, the enfant terrible of Norwegian skiing was allowed last year to fly the partner logo, except for a period from November 1 to April 7, corresponding to the highlight of the season.

After considering to end this exemption, the Federation has proposed to extend for the 2015/2016 season, but Northug did it claims not accepted the offer within the time allowed.

The athlete demanded an agreement for three years and restricting the period during which it can not promote its sponsor, according to the Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang (VG).

Questioned by agency NTB, his agent said Langas Are Sorum take note of the communiqué of the Federation and announced that Northug react "in the coming days."

Several commentators have expressed confidence that both sides reach a compromise.

The Federation would lose big by placing a cross on Northug, the impressive record: double Olympic champion and holder of 13 world gold medals in individuel-- --dont seven titles, he also won the overall standings of the World Cup twice (2010, 2013).

Especially since, in the women's national star Marit Bjorgen, pregnant, has already had to give up the upcoming World Cup season.