The disqualification of Ukrainian athlete Vladislav Geraskevich over the “memory helmet” sparked a discussion about legal avenues to protect the rights of our athletes. 

Attorney and President of the Lobbyists Association Oleksiy Shevchuk emphasizes the importance of taking legal action.

The attorney is convinced that Ukraine has every reason to successfully resolve the conflict on the international stage. 

In his view, public support must be backed by the professional work of lawyers at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

“We have great respect for our skeleton athlete Geraskevych, who competed wearing a ‘memorial helmet.’ And now, in fact, we need to focus on the legal nuances,” Oleksiy Shevchuk emphasizes, analyzing the current situation.

According to the attorney, the procedure for adjudicating such sports disputes involves one or three independent arbitrators. 

If the parties disagree with the arbitrators’ verdict, they retain the right, under certain conditions, to appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.

“The case is heard by one or three arbitrators. If the parties are dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal it—under exceptional circumstances—to the Swiss Supreme Court,” explains the head of the Lobbyists’ Association, describing the appeal process.

The expert draws particular attention to the existence of a special ad hoc tribunal that operates directly during the Olympic Games. 

This system allows for the prompt review of complaints and the rendering of decisions within 24 hours.

“However, it is very important that the ad hoc court is currently in session during the Olympic Games. Decisions are made within 24 to 48 hours. And the number of parties that can appeal such a decision is quite large,” notes Shevchuk.

The lawyer emphasizes that a wide range of parties can initiate the appeal process. 

In particular, this right is held by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, the relevant sports federation, or authorized representatives of the national team.

Oleksiy Shevchuk urges sports officials not to delay in filing the relevant appeal with the arbitration panel. He insists that every step in this case must be publicly communicated to the international community.

As a reminder, the IOC president commented on Geraskevich’s disqualification with tears in her eyes.

The IOC also reinstated Geraskevich’s accreditation but barred him from competing in the Olympics.