BRUSSELS, Dec. 9, 2017–A European Commission order to change rules to allow skaters to compete in events not sanctioned by the sport’s governing body could impact other organizations such as the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
The European Commission determined that an International Skating Union rule imposing severe penalties on athletes participating in speed skating competitions not authorized by the governing body was a breach of European Union anti-trust laws and must be changed.
The FEI that governs international horse sports of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, reining, vaulting and para equestrian also has rules that prevent riders from competing in events not sanctioned by the Lausanne, Switzerland body.
The European Commission ruling was considered the most significant legal case in European sport in a quarter century, according to Inside the Games that reported Friday’s decision.
The commission claimed the ISU rules which had permitted sanctions, including lifetime bans, for those participating in unlicensed events were unfairly persecuting athletes and preventing the innovation and growth of the sport.
Inside the games reported that other sporting bodies are now likely to come under similar pressure to change their competition rules.
The skating union was reported to be considering whether to appeal the decision to the European court.
