World Rowing Statement on the CAS Decision regarding the exclusion of Giacomo Perini (PR1M1x) at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

World Rowing acknowledges the decision issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in relation to the case between World Rowing and Erik Horrie versus Giacomo Perini and the Italian Paralympic Committee, regarding the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls A-Final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The decision partially upholds the appeal filed by Giacomo Perini and the Italian Paralympic Committee against the ruling made by World Rowing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, resulting in the reinstatement of the original racing order of the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls Final, prior to the decision issued by the Race Umpire. The original racing order of the race had Giacomo Perini of Italy finishing in third position and Erik Horrie of Australia finishing fourth, prior to Perini’s exclusion of the Race.

While World Rowing fully respects the authority and the role of the CAS as the ultimate body for sports-related disputes, we respectfully, but strongly disagree with the outcome of this case.

The decision made by the Race Umpire, and subsequently confirmed through a thorough review process by the Board of Jury, and ultimately the World Rowing Executive Committee, was taken in accordance with our established procedures and principles of fair competition.

World Rowing strongly believes that the integrity of our sport depends on consistent application of these principles, which are well-known and understood by all athletes, from the grassroots level to the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ regattas. That includes the clear proscription on carrying a mobile phone in the boat during racing, including the phases of warming-up and cooling down, which is known by the entire elite Rowing community and which the athlete acknowledged at the CAS hearing.

To this day, World Rowing stands by the decision taken at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, confident that it was the correct one based on the information and regulations in place at the time.

World Rowing remains firmly committed to ensuring the integrity of our sport and the protection of fair and consistent decision-making in all competitions. We will take time to carefully review the full reasoning of the CAS panel before considering any further action.