The case involves a dispute between Vasily Kraynikovskiy and the European Karate Federation (EKF) concerning his removal from the EKF Executive Committee (EC) and subsequent replacement by Sergey Sokolovski. Kraynikovskiy, a long-standing member of the EKF EC since 2005, was removed in 2014 following a request from the Russian Karate Federation (RKF), which cited alleged mismanagement and lack of cooperation. The EKF justified the removal under Article 10.11 of its Statutes, which allows for the dismissal of an elected member who loses national federation support unless they secure two-thirds EC backing. Kraynikovskiy contested the decision, arguing procedural unfairness, as he was neither invited nor informed of the meeting where his removal was decided. The case was brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the Sole Arbitrator, Michael Beloff QC, ruled that the EKF's actions complied with its statutes, despite acknowledging procedural shortcomings in communication.
The Arbitrator found that Kraynikovskiy had indeed lost RKF support, a factual basis for his removal, and rejected claims of political motivation, noting that internal federation dynamics did not invalidate the decision. The replacement of Kraynikovskiy by Sokolovski was also upheld, as the EKF had the authority to fill vacancies under its rules, whether through co-option or other means. The Arbitrator emphasized that while the removal may have been influenced by political tensions within the federation, it did not constitute an abuse of power or violate public policy. Kraynikovskiy's appeal was ultimately dismissed, with the CAS affirming the EKF's autonomy in such matters, provided its actions aligned with its governing statutes. The ruling underscored the principle that sports federations retain discretion in administrative decisions, even when contested, as long as they adhere to their established rules and procedures. The case highlights the balance between procedural fairness and the autonomy of sports governing bodies in disciplinary and administrative matters.