Biathlon: for the time being, the Biathlon Integrity Unit remains on the sidelines in the Julia Simon case
A few days ago, following Julia Simon ‘s suspended sentence of three months in prison and a €15,000 fine for theft and fraud, Greg McKenna, director of theBiathlon Integrity Unit (BIU), told TV2 that“such behaviour [could] fall under the integrity code as acts likely to damage the image or reputation of the sport”.
At the time, the BIU stated that “depending on the conclusions reached by the FFS, [it] may consider several sanctions provided for in the IBU Code of Integrity [available HERE], ranging from a simple warning to a period of suspension”.
On Friday, the day after the FFS National Disciplinary Commission imposed a six-month suspension on Julia Simon, five months of which were suspended, Nordic Magazine contacted theBiathlon Integrity Unit to find out what happened next.
“This review is a standard procedure when a national disciplinary body imposes a sanction likely to have an effect at international level”.
Firstly, once again via Greg McKinna, the BIU stated that it had “ taken note of the disciplinary decision handed down by the French Ski Federation concerning Mrs Julia Simon”.” In accordance with national regulations, both the Federation and the athlete have the right to appeal this decision to the FFS Federal Appeals Commission”, the Irishman went on to say.
TheBiathlon Integrity Unit, “in accordance with the IBU Constitution and Code of Integrity”, finally revealed that it would ” review the decision and supporting documentation to ensure that it complies with the rules and international standards of biathlon […] once the procedure has been completed”. In other words, only when the legal deadline for lodging an appeal – seven days in this case – has officially expired.
The former senior UK law enforcement official points out that ” this review is a standard procedure when a national disciplinary body imposes a sanction that is likely to have an international effect”.” No further comment will be made while this review is underway,” concludes Greg McKinna.
- “I admit to the facts”: Julia Simon admits to theft and fraud at her trial
- Julia Simon given three-month suspended prison sentence and fined €15,000 in bank card fraud case
- Sentencing of Julia Simon: reaction from the French Ski Federation, which “takes note” of the verdict
- Julia Simon case: FFS national disciplinary committee to meet on 6 November
- “Such behaviour may fall under the code of integrity”: Julia Simon could also be sanctioned by the Biathlon Integrity Unit
- Julia Simon case: how the FFS national disciplinary committee will proceed and the range of sanctions it may impose
- The penalty has been imposed: Julia Simon has been suspended for six months, five of which have been suspended, by the French Ski Federation’s National Disciplinary Commission.
- No training camp or races in Bessans, unable to take part in the Östersund World Cup, eligible for selection for the Olympics: the sporting consequences of Julia Simon’s one-month suspension from the sport
- Julia Simon case: La Beaufortaine does not appeal against her one-month suspension
