In a significant ruling on 8th December 2017, EU Antitrust Regulators ruled in favour of speed skaters by ordering the International Skating Union (ISU) to scrap “disproportionately punitive” penalties which were preventing them from competing in new money-spinning events. These penalties imposed by the ISU had served to protect its own interests and prevented other organisations from setting up their own events.
The ruling was triggered by a complaint form Dutch Olympic speed skaters Mark Tuitert and Niels Kerstholt, after they were dissuaded from competing in lucrative Ice Derby events run by a South Korean Company by threats of a lifetime ban.
This landmark decision could also affect other sports and become a milestone in paving the free movement of players in the EU. It could also make it easier for unofficial or ‘breakaway’ events and competitions to be held without the approval of a governing body.
The EU Competition Enforcer also warned the ISU of facing a fine up to 5% of its average daily global turnover if it did not stop its illegal conduct within 90 days.
This post has been authored by Aditi Vasani of West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences.
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