On Tuesday 27 September, the European Commission sent a statement of objections to the International Skating Union (ISU), in which it states that the internal rules of the organisation continue to be anti-competitive.
The Commission's examination of the ISU rules, which was launched in October 2015 (see EUROPE 11403), tends to show that the organisation restricts the freedom of athletes to take part in other speedskating events and prevents newcomers to the market from holding other international events.
Skaters taking part in sporting events other than those arranged by the ISU are exposed to penalties up to a lifetime ban and exclusion from events such as the Olympic Games or World Championships. In June, the organisation made changes to its sanctions regime, but the Commission still finds it too restrictive.
"We have concerns that the penalties the ISU imposes on skaters through its eligibility rules are not aimed at preserving high standards in sport, but rather serve to maintain the ISU's control over speedskating", said CompetitionCommissioner Margrethe Vestager, who called on the organisation to dissipate her fears.
The ISU is the only organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee to administer the sports of figure skating and speedskating. Its members are national ice-skating federations. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)