In relation to the ongoing Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) proceedings, Kamila Valieva has selected French law professor Mathieu Maisonneuve to serve as the arbitrator overseeing the hearings. The arrangement reflects CAS’s standard process of appointing a neutral arbiter to examine the case and determine the appropriate resolution based on the rules governing sport and anti-doping obligations.
Alongside this appointment, the court has named James Drake, a lawyer with a background spanning the United Kingdom and Australia, to conduct the proceedings. The International Skating Union (ISU) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have designated Jeffrey Mishkin, a lawyer with ties to the United States, to act as referee in the matter. This trio of officials forms the core decision-making team for the CAS hearings, ensuring a comprehensive review of all evidence, arguments, and procedural steps involved.
The hearings are scheduled to be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, over a three-day period from September 26 to 28, providing a formal venue for testimonies, submissions, and cross-examinations as needed. The location and dates align with CAS procedures that emphasize transparency, due process, and the protection of competitors’ rights while upholding the integrity of sport.
The Valieva case has been a focal point in the sporting world since a doping-related issue arose around the 2022 Olympic Games. A prohibited substance was detected in a sample taken in December 2021, triggering a critical debate about eligibility and the appropriate sanctions. At stake is not only Valieva’s standing at that Olympic event but also broader questions about age-related responsibilities, procedural timelines, and the standards used to assess evidence in high-stakes athletic competition.
Historically, the case has prompted discussions about how anti-doping agencies, regulatory bodies, and legal tribunals interact with athletes, coaches, and national federations. The CAS process emphasizes careful examination of laboratory results, chain-of-custody protocols, and the rights of the athlete to present defense arguments. In this context, the arbitral tribunal’s composition, including the appointment of an international arbitrator, a lead hearing officer, and a referee, is designed to ensure credible adjudication and adherence to international sporting law principles.
In parallel, the case has drawn attention to the interplay between national sporting governance and global anti-doping standards. Stakeholders are watching how CAS reconciles scientific findings with procedural fairness, how timelines influence competitive opportunities, and how decisions may set precedents for future doping-related investigations in figure skating and other disciplines. The process also highlights the importance of clear, consistent communication from all parties involved, including athletes, governing bodies, and the independent tribunal, to preserve the sport’s integrity while respecting due process.
As the hearings unfold, observers expect a rigorous examination of the evidence, including medical and pharmacological reports, witness testimonies, and the relevant regulatory frameworks governing eligibility for Olympic competition. The outcome will likely influence subsequent regulatory actions, potential sanctions, and the broader discourse on how to balance athlete welfare with the protection of fair play in elite sports. The CAS proceedings aim to deliver a principled resolution that reflects the sport’s values while providing a transparent account of the adjudicatory process for fans, teams, and national federations around the world.