The Court of Arbitration for Sports (TAS) sided with the FIG (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) in a lawsuit taken out against the FIG by a Rhythmic Gymnastics judge guilty of scandalous, unsportsmanlike behaviour and serious mistakes at the European Championships in Saragossa (ESP) in June, 2000.

At the conclusion of the hearing on January 18, 2002, the TAS pronounced rejection of the appeal submitted by the plaintiff on August 27, 2001 and confirmed decisions taken by the FIG on June 14 and July 31, 2001.

On August 8, 2000, the FIG Executive Committee had pronounced the suspension of 6 judges, resulting notably in their exclusion from the Sydney Olympic Games and issued a letter of warning to the Judges College as a whole in Saragossa emphasising that any lapse in their future performance would be followed up with exemplary sanctioning.

The appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (TAS) in Lausanne by one of the incriminated and suspended judges represented one of the final acts of this legal battle, the stakes of which were the mere respect of sports ethics in judging. By its decision on January 18, 2002, the TAS supports the FIG in its fight against all forms of corruption.

It is also a clear signal sent out to judges collectively that may fail to respect the spirit and authority of the rules in force, as well as their solemn oath. FIG President and IOC Member, Professor Bruno Grandi, whose personal commitment and integrity are to be noted, brought to the forefront the reminder:

‘Sports Ethics must be preserved above all other consideration. The unacceptable behaviour of certain members of the Judges College not only sheds a serious prejudicial light on the gymnasts’ image, in Rhythmic Gymnastics, but on the Federation as a whole. This sanction pays tribute to those who carry out their responsibilities at the highest level with honour and competence.’

For further information please contact:

Philippe Silacci
T: +41 32 494 64 10
F: +41 32 494 64 19
E: psilacci@fig-gymnastics.org
W: www.fig-gymnastics.com