http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/other/ ... 28758.html
As an aside, remember how the world's media laughed at us when it was suggested that we wanted to be the extra team in South Africa?The Irish Times wrote:The Irish women’s bobsleigh team face a new legal challenge to their participation at the Winter Olympics after it emerged that Brazil will take a case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If the Brazilians are successful, they could replace the Irish women in Vancouver.
Just hours after the CAS granted Australia entry into the competition as a 21st team in the wake of a separate hearing, thereby preserving the Irish team’s Olympic status, news broke of Brazil’s complaint.
There is some confusion over the exact nature of Brazil’s grievance. It is understood they are unhappy that Aoife Hoey and Claire Bergin were granted a late entry into the qualifying campaign and will take their case to the CAS in Vancouver tomorrow.
With another hearing now looming the Irish team’s joy at last night’s decision will have been shortlived. It had appeared their place would be guaranteed when the CAS ruled that Australia should be granted a place in the competition but not at Ireland’s expense.
Australia, who failed to qualify automatically, argued that they were entitled to a place on the grounds that Oceania should have a mandatory representative under the rules of its qualification system.
Instead of removing the Irish team, which was one avenue open to the CAS panel, they called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to expand the event from 20 to 21 sleds.
That decision has still to be ratified by the International Olympic Committee, although it is unlikely they would go against a CAS ruling.
Speaking after the decision was made public last night, and before news of the fresh challenge emerged, Chef de mission of the Irish team, Siobhan Hoey, said: “We are absolutely delighted to retain our legitimate place in the event. This whole episode has been a nightmare for the Irish bobsleigh athletes and the management team.
“The Australians tried every legal angle they could muster. They were successful in their strategy, gaining a 21st place slot in a 20 person line up. However, it has caused serious disruption to our teams’ preparations.”
The CAS panel heard the Australian case in Vancouver on Monday afternoon and found that "the clear wording of the qualification system implemented by the FIBT reflected the intention of representation by one men's bob team and one women's bob team from non-represented continents and could not be interpreted otherwise than as formulated".
Consequently, CAS ordered the FIBT to allocate a "continental representation quota place" to the Australians.
"Nevertheless, considering the situation of the Irish athletes, who expected legitimately to be entitled to participate in the Olympic Winter Games 2010 after their entry had been validated by the FIBT and the IOC, the CAS Panel has recommended to the IOC and VANOC the inclusion of a 21st team in the women's bobsleigh event."
