Yermak will help appeal Geraskevich’s disqualification: what is known
13 February 00:30
Ukraine is officially appealing the disqualification of skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevich from the 2026 Olympic Games, and former head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, who has renewed his law license, has joined his defense team. This was announced on Espreso TV by veteran lawyer and co-founder of the Principle Center, Masy Nayem, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The day before, the IOC banned Heraskevych from competing in the “Helmet of Memory” at the Olympic Games. For this, the Ukrainian faced disqualification.
At the same time, the Ukrainian drew attention to the double standards of the International Olympic Committee. In particular, he noted that an Italian snowboarder was allowed to compete with the Russian flag on his helmet, despite the fact that the symbols of the aggressor country are banned at the 2026 Games.
On the day of the competition, Heraskevych posted a statement on his Instagram page about the events of the last few days related to the “Helmet of Memory.”
On February 12, Heraskevych was disqualified before his first run at the 2026 Olympic Games.
The IOC justified its position on Vladislav Heraskevich
The organization emphasized that the decision was made after Geraskevich refused to comply with the IOC’s Guidelines on Self-Expression for Athletes. It was approved by the jury of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) based on the fact that the helmet he intended to wear did not comply with the rules.
The IOC also emphasized that Geraskevich had a meeting with the organization’s president, Kirsten Coventry, in the morning, during which no consensus was reached.
According to the IOC, Heraskevich was allowed to display his helmet during all training runs and was also offered the option of displaying the helmet immediately after the competition in the mixed zone or starting the race wearing a black headband. The International Olympic Committee also emphasized that the issue was not the message that Heraskevych wanted to convey, but the location.
An appeal has been filed under an emergency procedure
The appeal has already been filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the hearing is scheduled for February 13 in Milan. The Ukrainian side is counting on a quick and fair review, which could allow the athlete to return to competition.
The appeal to CAS was filed by lawyer and public figure Yevgeny Pronin. According to him, the case is being considered under a special expedited procedure, which allows for a decision to be made as quickly as possible — within 24 hours.
“The appeal was filed under a special emergency review procedure. The court has already accepted the documents, appointed an arbitrator, and officially begun reviewing the case,” Yevgeny Pronin said.
The lawyer emphasized that the documents were prepared as quickly as possible.
“This is the first time I have prepared an appeal so quickly — the entire process of collecting and preparing the documents took only an hour and a half,” he said.
The defense considers the disqualification unfair
The appeal was filed on behalf of Vladislav Heraskevych after his disqualification by the International Olympic Committee. The reason was the athlete’s use of a helmet with images of Ukrainian athletes who died as a result of Russian aggression.
The IOC explained its decision by saying that such actions could be interpreted as a political statement, which is prohibited by Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter.
At the same time, the defense insists that there was no violation.
“The appeal was filed because of a sense of legal, sporting, and historical injustice. Vladislav deserves a chance to participate in these Olympics,” said Yevgeny Pronin.
Yermak joined the case
Other lawyers have joined the athlete’s defense, including former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, who has renewed his law license.
“This is Andriy Borisovich Yermak, he said he has expertise. Mr. Andriy Borisovich has had a lawyer’s license since December 12, 1995. That is why he joined, communication is now taking place,” said veteran lawyer and co-founder of the Principle Center, Masy Nayem, on Espreso TV.
Veteran and lawyer Masy Nayem noted that Geraskevich’s disqualification is legally questionable.
“Heraskevych is not being punished for an actual violation. He did not wear this helmet in a prohibited area — it was only an intention. There was no actual violation,” Masy Nayem emphasized.
A decision may be made in the near future
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has already accepted the appeal for consideration. The hearing will take place in Milan on February 13, and the decision may be made as soon as possible.
The athlete’s defense hopes for an objective review of the case and the lifting of the disqualification, which will allow Vladyslav Heraskevych to continue competing in the Olympic Games.
Not the first case for Ukraine
Three Ukrainian athletes have already been banned from competing in the Olympics wearing their own helmets:
- Kateryna Kotsar (snowboarding) — for the inscription ” Be brave like Ukrainian“;
- Vladyslav Heraskevych (skeleton) — for his helmet commemorating Ukrainian athletes who died as a result of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation;
- Oleg Gandey — for a quote by Lina Kostenko.
