FIS Hearing Panel Ruling on Stefan Luitz Case

The FIS Hearing Panel has rendered its decision in the case of German Alpine skier Stefan Luitz.

It was reported to FIS following the FIS World Cup giant slalom competition in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on December 2, 2018, that Luitz had used supplemental oxygen between the first and second runs. The use of supplemental oxygen is prohibited during the in-competition period as per Article 2.12 of the FIS Anti-Doping Rules, but does not constitute a prohibited method as defined in the WADA Prohibited List. FIS has included the prohibition of certain scientific and medical equipment at FIS Events in the FIS Anti-Doping Rules.

The FIS Hearing Panel has found that Luitz violated the above FIS rule prohibiting the use of scientific and medical equipment when he inhaled the supplemental oxygen between the two runs.

As a result, Stefan Luitz shall be disqualified from the GS at the FIS Alpine World Cup Event in Beaver Creek on December 2, 2018, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any trophies, points and prize money.

The disqualification of an athlete’s individual result that has violated Article 2.12 FIS Anti-Doping Rules in connection with a specific competition is not a sanction, but a consequence of the rule violation. The infringement of Article 2.12 has no further consequences.

The decision may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration of Sport within 21 days. A potential appeal does not delay the imposition of the FIS Hearing Panel’s decision to disqualify the athlete from the FIS World Cup giant slalom competition in Beaver Creek, including losing the 100 World Cup points for 1st place.

Release courtesy of FIS.