The decision of the Estonian Triathlon Federation took a dispute to an international tribunal

In a dispute with the Estonian Triathlon Federation (ETA), we are representing distinguished triathlon referees Kati Raudsepp and Eero Raudsepp before the International Triathlon Union Tribunal.

The tribunal has currently granted preliminary legal protection, requiring the ETA to reinstate Kati Raudsepp and Eero Raudsepp as active referees or to indicate that they are in good standing with the ETA.

“Earlier this year, when the European Triathlon Union was electing a new board and committee members Kati and Eero wished to stand as candidates, they submitted their applications to ETA, which should have forwarded them to the European Triathlon Union. ETA replied that Kati and Eero were ‘not in good standing,’” explains Polina Tšernjak, who is representing the referees. Initially, no reasons were given, but four months later the ETF board issued an official decision, citing as its explanation a lack of trust.

First instance of this situation in Estonia

“Since it is the national federation that submits the list of referees to World Triathlon, that list carries international weight. This means that if a referee from Estonia is supposedly ‘not in good standing’ with the national federation, they cannot participate in international events,” explained Tšernjak, outlining the impact of the Estonian federation’s decision.

Receiving such a description directly affects the referees’ rights, restricting their freedom to act and, among other things, excluding them from being appointed as technical delegates or officials at international competitions. In addition, Kati Raudsepp and Eero Raudsepp have been unable to participate in events as athletes or to serve as support personnel for other athletes.

This case stands out as remarkable, given that proceedings before the World Triathlon Tribunal are exceptionally rare on a global level and have never before involved Estonian parties.

Our services and client team

We have advised our clients throughout the entire process, including developing the legal strategy and procedural roadmap.

Our client team is led by senior associate Polina Tšernjak, who is supported by partner Carri Ginter and associate Joosep Kuusk.