Commission announces results of investigation on International Skating Union’s penalties

Further information:

The Commission decision requires the ISU to stop its illegal conduct within 90 days and to refrain from any measure that has the same or an equivalent object or effect. In order to comply, the ISU can abolish or modify its eligibility rules so that they are based only on legitimate objectives (explicitly excluding the ISU's own economic interests) and that they are inherent and proportionate to achieve those objectives.

Background information:

The ISU is the sole body recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to administer the sports of figure skating and speed skating on ice. Its members are national ice skating associations. The ISU and its members organise and generate revenues from speed skating competitions, including from major international competitions such as the Winter Olympic Games, World and European championships.

The Commission opened proceedings in relation to the ISU's eligibility rules on 5 October 2015 following a complaint by two Dutch professional speed skaters, Mark Tuitert and Niels Kerstholt. The Commission sent a Statement of Objections to the ISU on 27 September 2016.

The European Commission concluded on 7 December 2017, following an investigation, that International Skating Union (ISU) rules imposing severe penalties on athletes participating in speed skating competitions that are not authorised by the ISU are in breach of EU antitrust law.

Politico, 08.12.17: EU to sports chiefs: Get your skates on https://www.politico.eu/article/margrethe-vestager-orders-skating-union-to-change-rules/

Reuters, 08.12.17: EU regulators order skating body ISU to scrap disproportionate penalties https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1E21C5

European Commission: Statement by Commissioner Vestager on the International Skating Union infringing EU competition rules by imposing restrictive penalties on athletes http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-17-5190_en.htm

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