First case for CAS in London: CAS grants request of horserider Alexander Peternell (SA) to be selected for London 2012

 London, 24 July 2012 – A few days after its opening, the ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has registered its first case. The South African horserider Alexander Peternell (eventing) filed an application at the CAS ad hoc Division to challenge a decision of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) not to select him for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Last Monday, a CAS Panel, constituted before the opening of the CAS ad hoc Division, ruled that Alexander Peternell had met the qualification criteria to be selected for the Olympic Games, in lieu of another horserider, Paul Hart, who had been previously selected by SASCOC, following a recommendation of the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF). Despite the CAS ruling, SASCOC did not enter Peternell in the Olympic Games. However, it has withdrawn Paul Hart from the South African team.

This morning, Alexander Peternell filed a new request for arbitration, this time before the CAS ad hoc Division, in order to oblige SASCOC to enter him in the 2012 Olympic Games. A CAS Panel composed of Mr Michele Bernasconi (Switzerland), President, Mr Efraim Barak (Israel) and Mr Ricardo de Buen Rodriguez (Mexico) held a hearing at 5pm today. Alexander Peternell was represented by his legal adviser. SASCOC and SAEF filed written submissions but chose not to attend the hearing. The IOC and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) were represented as interested parties.

A final decision was rendered tonight: the CAS Panel has upheld the request of Peternell and has ordered SASCOC to include him in the team of South Africa and to enter him in the 2012 Olympic Games. The full decision will be communicated on 25 July 2012.