The CAS Ad hoc Division has dismissed an application by figure skating coach Mr Raimo Reinsalu (Estonia) against the International Skating Union (ISU). Mr Reinsalu’s provisional suspension from participation in ISU events, including the figure skating competitions of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (2026 OWG) remains in place.
Mr Reinsalu is listed as a figure skating coach for Ms Meda Variakojytė (Lithuania), who is participating in the 2026 OWG in the women’s single skating. Following a Statement of Complaint of physical and psychological abuse by a former athlete coached by Mr Reinsalu, the ISU Disciplinary Commission issued an urgent provisional suspension on Mr Reinsalu on 7 February 2026. The provisional suspension is in place whilst the ISU investigates the matter and until a final decision is rendered.
Filed on 9 February 2026, the application by Mr Reinsalu to the CAS Ad hoc Division argued that the exclusion from the 2026 OWG causes irreparable harm to his professional reputation and adversely affects the athlete he coaches. Mr Reinsalu requested that the CAS Ad hoc Division immediately lift the provisional suspension imposed by the ISU Disciplinary Commission.
A hybrid hearing took place on the afternoon of 11 February in Milan. The CAS Ad hoc Division Panel heard the arguments and recalls that a provisional suspension is a precautionary and protective measure, and not a disciplinary sanction. Its function is not to imply any presumption of guilt, but to safeguard the integrity of the sport.
In light of the seriousness of the allegations, the CAS Panel considered that the ISU Disciplinary Commission was entitled to conclude that maintaining the coach in functions pending a final decision could pose risks incompatible with the preventative and protective objectives of the ISU Code of Ethics. Consequently, the application was dismissed.
