The case involves George Yerolimpos, a former Secretary General of the World Karate Federation (WKF), who was suspended and later removed from his position in 2013 following allegations of misconduct related to the control and transfer of WKF digital assets, including website domains and administrative credentials. The dispute centered on the ownership and management of the domains www.wkf.net and www.wkf-web.net, which Yerolimpos had registered under his name in 1997. The WKF accused him of failing to properly transfer these assets, causing operational disruptions and financial losses. Yerolimpos argued that there were no clear WKF rules outlining the obligations for transferring such assets post-termination, and he sought arbitration through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The CAS panel examined whether the WKF had enforceable norms justifying the disciplinary sanctions imposed on Yerolimpos. It found that the WKF lacked specific statutory provisions defining the offenses or corresponding sanctions, emphasizing the principle of "nulla poena sine lege" (no punishment without law). While Yerolimpos's actions were deemed unprofessional, the absence of clear rules meant the sanctions could not be upheld. The panel also noted procedural concerns, including alleged due process violations, though it considered these remedied by the CAS hearing. The WKF had imposed a one-year suspension, citing Yerolimpos's prior disciplinary record and the severity of the alleged misconduct, but the CAS ruled in his favor, annulling the sanctions for lack of legal basis.
The case highlighted broader issues in sports governance, particularly the need for transparent and precise regulations to address misconduct and ensure procedural fairness. The WKF incurred costs and reputational damage due to the dispute, including expenses for domain recovery and technical reviews. The decision underscored the importance of clear agreements and documentation in managing digital assets within international sports federations. Ultimately, the CAS upheld Yerolimpos's appeal, setting aside the WKF's disciplinary decisions and dismissing further claims, reinforcing the necessity of well-defined rules to justify disciplinary actions in sports organizations.