Swiss Courts Ruling on Valieva is Final and Unappealable

Lawyer **Anna Antseliovich** commented on the Federal Court of Switzerland’s rejection of Russian figure skater **Kamila Valieva’s** request to annul or reconsider the decision made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding her anti-doping rule violations. According to the expert, this ruling cannot be challenged.

«The recent ruling from the Federal Court of Switzerland has little relevance to Valieva’s return to competition. This case has reached a conclusion; it is officially closed because there are no further avenues for appeal. Yes, there is also the European Court of Human Rights, but it’s important to understand that even if that court reviews the matter, it won’t be addressing the core issue. Should it determine that the athlete’s rights were somehow violated, she may receive compensation, but the decisions of both the CAS and the Federal Court of Switzerland will remain unaltered.

Thus, this matter is settled; the disqualification is in effect. However, it will expire at the end of December this year. Two months prior to the completion of her disqualification, she can officially begin training on the ice with her coach and other athletes in preparation for a return to competition,» Antseliovich’s words were cited by TASS.

For reference, Valieva was banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) at the end of January 2024 for breaching anti-doping regulations. The disqualification period is counted from December 25, 2021.