 "When is the Vinesh Phogat appeal verdict by CAS? Why is it being delayed?")
Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has not had a resolution just yet. The case was presented by parties concerned - wrestler Vinesh, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Committee (IOC) - on Friday (9 August), after a day’s delay to begin with.
It met another delay by the ad-hoc division of the CAS on Saturday (August 10). The court sought more time to deliberate on Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle final of the Paris Olympics.
Why is there an appeal?
Vinesh Phogat, 29, was disqualified for being 100gm overweight at the time on weigh-in on Wednesday - day of the gold medal bout.
The CAS ad-hoc division, set up especially for dispute resolution during the Games, had accepted Vinesh's appeal against her ouster on Friday.
The Indian has demanded that she be given a joint silver with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Vinesh but was later promoted to the final following the Indian’s disqualification.
American Sarah Hildebrandt won the gold after defeating Lopez in the title clash.
When is the verdict?
The verdict on her appeal was earlier due to be announced on Saturday (August 10) evening.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn chaotic turn of events, the IOA first stated that the verdict will be release on Sunday (August 11) before issuing a clarification to say that the outcome will be known only on August 13 (Tuesday).
“The ad-hoc division of CAS has extended time for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee matter to give a decision till 6-00 p.m. (9:30pm IST) on August 13, 2024,” the IOA statement read.
“The reference to August 11 in the earlier communication sent by me was to the time given to all parties to present any additional documents before the Sole Arbitator,” it added.
The body apologised for “the confusion and inconvenience caused”.
Vinesh was represented by high-profile senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
Crestfallen after being disqualified, the wold championships bronze-medallist announced her retirement .
The UWW has already made it clear that it was not in favour of making an exception for her although it could consider reforms in rules at a later time. IOC president Thomas Bach held a similar view .
Why is there a delay?
As per CAS regulations, the ad-hoc panel is due to deliver a verdict within 24 hours from the conclusion of the hearing. In Vinesh’s case, though, it has breached that time limit.
However CAS regulations also state that in ’exceptional cases’, this time limit may be extended.
As per Article 18 of the ad-hoc division set up for the Olympic Games, “The Panel shall give a decision within 24 hours of the lodging of the application. In exceptional cases, this time limit may be extended by the President of the ad hoc Division if circumstances so require.”
By this understanding, Vinesh Phogat’s case has been deemed to be an ’exceptional case’ which is causing the delay.
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