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EU: Olympic skaters file antitrust complaint

By  |  June 26, 2014

Two Olympic speed skaters from the Netherlands have filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against the International Skating Union and its ban on the skaters participating in an unapproved event.

Reports say Mark Tuitert and Niels Kersthold have asked the Commission to intervene in how the ISU regulates skaters, arguing that the ISU’s rule that prohibits members of the sport to compete in Ice Derby events.

The events allow top prize money for participants and allow spectators to gamble on the outcome of the races. According to the ISU, the events breach its rules against gambling.

”The ISU rules are in violation of important European antitrust rules,” the athletes said in a statement. They added that the ISU threatens a lifetime ban from the sport if athletes compete in Ice Derby events.

The Commission confirmed it has received the complaint.

Full content: Reuters

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