Louis Weston acts for Gymnastics Ethics Foundation in prosecution of Russian Rhythmic Head Coach

Head Coach of the Russian Rhythmic Team, Irina Viner, faces a lengthy ban after a decision in disciplinary proceedings by Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF). Louis Weston acted on behalf of GEF.

The GEF Disciplinary Commission Panel sanctioned the head coach of Russian rhythmic gymnastics, Ms Viner with a two year suspension and issued her Russian Member Federation, Artistic Gymnastics Federation of Russia, with a warning.

The case

Louis Weston, who heads up the Outer Temple Sports Law team acted for the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation in the prosecution of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Head Coach and Member Federation.

The proceedings related to the alleged retaliatory withdrawal of Ms Nataliya Kuzmina’s candidacy for the 2021 elections to the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee, public statements made in media following the defeat of the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, which were deemed abusive and in violation of FIG Rules, and the Respondents’ failure to duly cooperate with the investigation.

Ms Viner had previously received a warning from the FIG Presidential Bureau in 2008.

Disciplinary Commission Decision

The GEF ruling means Ms Viner is not allowed to participate in or receive accreditation for international competitions, including work as a coach, head of delegation or other official role.

The full decision which addresses issues of jurisdiction, legitimate expectation and intention is at:
https://gymnastics.sport/site/news/displaynews.php?urlNews=377710.

Ms Viner has confirmed she will appeal against the two-year ban.

About the Gymnsatics Ethics Foundation

Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) is an independent body that investigates complaints in order to ensure that violations of FIG rules, policies, and procedures, including ethical breaches, are handled in an unbiased manner. The GEF Disciplinary Section is composed of the Disciplinary Commission and the Appeal Tribunal. 

This case has been reported in the sporting press including ESPN and Inside the Games.

About Louis Weston

Louis Weston is a sports lawyer with a successful and established practice in Sports Regulation, Governance, Disciplinary Cases, Safeguarding and Anti-Doping. He has appeared in many of the leading cases in the UK involving corruption in sport and has acted for and advised national and international sports regulatory bodies in the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and Asia across a range of sports including Horseracing, Snooker, Badminton, Rugby, Darts, Cricket, Gymnastics, and Greyhound Racing.

News 24 Apr, 2023