DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE IN THE NORTH KOREAN CASE

Lausanne (SUI) - FIG Office, October 07, 2010, 07:00 GMT +1: On October 01, 2010, the FIG has initiated a disciplinary procedure against the Gymnastics Association of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) and their gymnast Ms. Hong Su Jong for alleged age infractions and false registrations.

Three different years of birth have been noted:

• 2004 Olympic Games Athens, birth date: 09.03.1985;
• 2006 FIG World Championships Aarhus, birth date: 09.03.1985;
• 2006 Asian Games Doha, birth date: 09.03.1986;
• 2007 FIG World Championships Stuttgart, birth date: 09.03.1986;
• 2010 FIG World Championships Rotterdam, birth date: 09.03.1989.

Today, the President of the FIG Disciplinary Commission in charge of this case – based on Art. 20 of the FIG Code of Discipline and the evidence in his hands - has taken immediate action and provisionally suspended the Gymnastics Association of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) and their Gymnast Ms. Hong Su Jong, as of 6th October 2010 for a period of 30 days. 

The Federation is therefore not allowed to participate in the forthcoming Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam and any other International or National event.

The Federation and the Gymnast have a right to be heard in writing and will also have the right to make an appeal to the FIG Appeal Tribunal within 5 days.