CAS dismisses an appeal against the re-election of Olegario Vazquez Raa as ISSF President

In a decision released on 16 November 2015, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the highest judicial authority for sport in the world, dismissed an appeal against the re-election of Olegario Vázquez Raña as President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) on 3 December 2014. The appeal was filed by the Kuwait Shooting Federation and former ISSF Vice President Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah, who was also a candidate for ISSF President. Their appeal asked the court to cancel the election. The court rejected the arguments brought forward by the appellants and confirmed the validity of Mr. Vazquez Raña’s election as ISSF President.

"I am very satisfied with the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This decision clearly vindicates us from the accusations made by my opponent in the ISSF elections, who did not agree with a democratic and constitutionally valid ISSF election process," said Vázquez Raña after CAS announced its ruling. "I wish to express my gratitude to the ISSF family for electing me and for their support throughout all of my presidency."

Vázquez Raña was elected to the highest post of the world governing body of the shooting sport when he received 165 votes against 128 for his opponent, Kuwaiti Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah, whose Ministry in Kuwait sent several letters to sports leaders in various nations in an attempt to influence their vote and take advantage of his position as Minister of Information and Youth Affairs in Kuwait.

After the ruling by CAS, Olegario Vázquez Raña stated, "It is now time for the entire shooting sport family to unite for the benefit of the sport and our athletes. Together, we can help our sport continue to grow in popularity and develop around the world. Furthermore, we have a major contribution to make in helping IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach achieve his vision under Olympic Agenda 2020."

The Mexican businessman, who had an outstanding career as an athlete and participated in four Olympic Games from 1964 through 1976, said, "now that this appeal against our elections has been dismissed, it is time for all members of the ISSF family to come together in our common cause to promote the shooting sport and its athletes, and to unite behind our common values of sport for all, inclusivity and respect for the human right to practice sport."

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