The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has thrown out the appeal for disqualification of Ugandan athlete Ronald Musagala during the men’s 1500m heats yesterday.
The IAAF released a statement after the Jury of Appeal verdict to clarify their position:
“A protests was presented by the Dutch team after Round 1, Heat 2 of the 1500m Men, claiming that their athlete Richard DOUMA had been obstructed by Ugandan athlete Ronald MUSAGALA.
“The Dutch team requested the disqualification of Ronald MUSAGALA and that their athlete Richard DOUMA be advanced to the next round, under Rule 163.2 (Obstruction).
“The Jury of Appeal examined the video evidence decided not to disqualify MUSAGALA, but advanced DOUMA to the next round.”
RULE 163 (The Race)
Obstruction
2. If an athlete is jostled or obstructed during an event so as to impede his progress, then:(a) if the jostling or obstruction is considered unintentional or is caused otherwise than by an athlete, the Referee may, if he is of the opinion that an athlete (or his team) was seriously affected, order that the race be re-held or allow the affected athlete (or team) to compete in a subsequent round of the event;
(b) if another athlete is found by the Referee to be responsible for the jostling or obstruction, such athlete (or his team) shall be liable to disqualification from that event. The Referee may, if he is of the opinion that an athlete (or his team) was seriously affected, order that the race be re-held excluding any disqualified athlete (or team) or allow any affected athlete (or team) (other than any disqualified athlete or team) to compete in a subsequent round of the event.
In both cases Rule 163.2(a) and (b), such athlete (or team) should normally have completed the event with bona fide effort.
