The GEF Disciplinary Commission has issued its decision in the disciplinary proceedings against Ms. Evangelia Trikomiti & European Gymnastics.
These proceedings resulted from an extensive investigation conducted by the GEF* into several allegations, from multiple sources, of score manipulation at the 2024 Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Budapest, 23-26 May 2024 (the “Championships”).
Based on its investigation, including reports provided by several judges officiating at the Championships, the GEF submitted, on 23 July 2024, a notice of charges for infringements to the FIG Rules for score manipulation by Ms. Trikomiti and European Gymnastics.
After having heard the case, the GEF Disciplinary Commission Panel, composed of three independent members, found Ms. Trikomiti guilty of score manipulation at the 2024 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships and sanctioned her with a 4-year period of ineligibility from all gymnastics-related activities, excluding coaching activities. Moreover, her FIG Judge Brevet is annulled.
The GEF Disciplinary Commission Panel also ruled that European Gymnastics was held responsible for the offence committed by Ms. Trikomiti pursuant to Article 4 of the FIG Code of Discipline, providing for the joint liability of the federation.
For the sake of clarity, these proceedings did not aim to change the results of the Championships, a matter which does not fall under the GEF’s remit and cannot be reviewed according to the “field of play” doctrine**. The scope of these proceedings was related to infringements of the FIG Rules, in particular the FIG Code of Ethics, the FIG General Judges’ Rules and the FIG Technical Regulations in accordance with the GEF’s mission.
Once again, this case emphasizes the crucial role of informants and/or whistleblowers. In particular, the GEF praises the courage of those who were called as witnesses on behalf of the GEF in the present proceedings, and commends their commitment to the integrity of the sport. The GEF also extends its thanks to all individuals who reported information and collaborated with the GEF from the outset of the investigation into this matter.
As a reminder, the GEF makes available several ways to report any concerns in an effort to protect the sport and all participants in gymnastics. Any complaint or information can be reported via the different GEF Reporting channels.
The decision can be appealed to the GEF Appeal Tribunal within 21 days from its notification.
The reasoned decision is published here.
At this stage, the GEF will not comment further on the matter.
*The GEF, as an independent body, investigates complaints to ensure that violations of FIG rules, policies, and procedures, including ethical breaches, are handled in an unbiased manner. Disciplinary proceedings are opened by the Director of the GEF based on the findings of an investigation into a complaint.
Cases are heard by the GEF Disciplinary Commission and the GEF Appeal Tribunal, whose members are legal and/or safeguarding experts independent from the GEF. Decisions of the Disciplinary Commission can be appealed by a party to the GEF Appeal Tribunal within 21 days of notification. Decisions taken by the Disciplinary Commission and the Appeal Tribunal of the GEF must be implemented by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). (Following the decision of the FIG Congress in Doha on 26 October 2024 to repeal the GEF Appeal Tribunal, decisions rendered in proceedings opened after 26th October 2024 are appealable directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport).
** According to the field of play principle, a decision should not be reviewed by disciplinary authorities if it is demonstrated to be a decision made on the playing field by judges, referees, umpires and other officials, who are responsible for applying the rules of a particular game.