The Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU) notes the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in International Biathlon Union v Petru Bria.

CAS ruled that Mr Petru Bria, former Secretary General of the Biathlon Federation of the Republic of Moldova, committed serious breaches of IBU Rules and imposed a 10-year period of ineligibility from the date of notification of the award.

The sanction excludes Mr Bria for a decade from participating in any capacity in any competition, programme or other activity authorised or organised by the IBU, any National Federation, or any member or affiliate of a National Federation. He is also prohibited from associating with other participants within the sport during that period.

CAS found that Mr Bria breached the applicable Integrity Code by:

  • failing to make a required disclosure to the BIU;
  • failing to cooperate with the BIU investigation and delaying the proceedings;
  • endangering or impairing the reputation or interests of the IBU; and
  • presenting a risk of harm to the physical and/or mental wellbeing of those involved in biathlon.

CAS also confirmed that the BIU validly removed Mr Bria provisionally from his position as Secretary General of the Biathlon Federation of the Republic of Moldova. The period already served under provisional suspension will not be credited against the 10-year sanction.

This is a substantial sanction. It reflects the seriousness of the breaches, the responsibilities attached to a senior position of trust, and the need to protect the reputation, safety and integrity of the sport.

The outcome reinforces that all participants, and particularly those in leadership or support roles, must act with honesty and integrity, cooperate fully with BIU investigations, and protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in biathlon, especially children and young adults.

The case also demonstrates the importance of the integrity structures now in place across biathlon. The BIU and IBU continue to strengthen prevention-led governance through the Governance Framework for National Federations, safeguarding and good-governance support, and vetting for persons seeking to hold or remain in positions of responsibility within the IBU structure.

The BIU will continue to work with National Federations and the wider Biathlon Family to identify integrity risks early, strengthen governance and ensure that concerns are addressed effectively and independently.

 

Anyone with information about a potential integrity concern in biathlon is encouraged to report it through the BIU’s official reporting channels.