A hearing with the involved parties, including Phogat and the United World Wrestling (UWW) which made the disqualification decision, will be held on August 9. The sole arbitrator’s decision is expected to be made before the conclusion of the Olympic Games on August 11.
![[Paris Olympics 2024] Vinesh Phogat Appeal for Silver Medal; CAS Appointed Dr Annabelle Bennett As Sole Arbitrator To Decide|| Adjudicate on Aug 11](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-39-2.png?resize=690%2C388&ssl=1)
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Paris has registered an application submitted by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat challenging her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg wrestling event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. CAS has appointed Dr Annabelle Bennett, a former judge of the Federal Court of Australia, as the sole arbitrator to oversee the case.
A hearing with the involved parties, including Phogat and the United World Wrestling (UWW) which made the disqualification decision, will be held on August 9. The sole arbitrator’s decision is expected to be made before the conclusion of the Olympic Games on August 11.
Phogat was initially set to compete in the final of the 50 kg event, but was disqualified shortly before the bout for failing to make the weight requirement by approximately 100 grams. Following the disqualification, Phogat filed an application with CAS on August 7 challenging the UWW’s decision.
Vinesh Phogat, who triumphed in the semi-final bout with an impressive 5-0 margin, made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final. Her unexpected disqualification has sparked a wave of reactions across the country, with many advocating for justice on her behalf.
Vinesh has requested to be awarded the silver medal due to the circumstances of her disqualification. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been given until today(on 8 August) morning to render its final decision. Should the CAS rule in her favor, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be compelled to award a joint silver medal to her.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is a distinguished independent institution founded in 1984, dedicated to resolving sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS also has branches in New York City and Sydney, and establishes temporary courts in Olympic host cities to address any immediate issues that arise during the games.
CAS prides itself on its independence from any sports organization, operating under the administrative and financial oversight of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). It adjudicates legal disputes in the sports domain, issuing arbitral awards that carry the same weight and enforceability as judgments passed by ordinary courts. Furthermore, CAS offers mediation services to facilitate amicable dispute resolutions.
Arbitration panels typically comprise three arbitrators, with each party selecting one arbitrator and the third being appointed by the President of the relevant division. In certain cases, a sole arbitrator may be chosen to handle the matter.
CAS holds the ultimate authority in many sports disputes, with the possibility of appealing to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland under specific conditions. The role of CAS is pivotal in maintaining fairness and resolving disputes within the global sports community, ensuring a specialized and efficient forum for all sports-related conflicts.
The President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha, has expressed her shock and disappointment over the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat. Despite Phogat being in good physical and medical condition, Usha conveyed her dissatisfaction with the situation and highlighted the ongoing support Phogat is receiving.
“After hearing the news that Vinesh Phogat is disqualified, I am shocked and disappointed. I came to meet her, and while she is physically and medically fine, she is understandably upset. Our support staff is actively working with her to help manage her weight,”
In Her Application
“ the CAS Ad Hoc Division procedure is expedited, but issuing a decision on the merits within an hour was not feasible, as the Respondent UWW would need to be heard first. The procedure is still in progress, and the Applicant has affirmed her request to annul the Challenged Decision and to be awarded a (shared) silver medal.”
