Russian skater Evgeni Plushenko has been suspended from competitions organized by the International Skating Union (ISU), the ISU's official website said on Monday.
In March 2010, Plushenko did not participate in a European championship in Turin citing an injury. The ISU decided to double-check medical statements and suspended Plushenko from any skating events for a period of time until his injuries healed; however, the athlete participated in various shows in Russia and abroad both in March and April. The organization disqualified Plushenko in June and gave him 21 days to appeal.
"Further to the Decision of the ISU Council on the eligibility of Mr. Evgeny Plushenko ... the ISU informs that no appeal against this Decision has been filed by Mr. Evgeni Plushenko within the 21 day deadline and that as a result the above Decision of the Council has become final," the statement said.
"The ISU Members are obliged to take due notice of the ineligibility of Mr. Evgeni Plushenko for any ISU activity," it continued.
The former Olympic and three-time world champion returned to the ice late last year after a self-imposed retirement from competitive skating following his stunning performance in Turin in 2006.
Plushenko easily won an international Moscow tournament in October and the Russian national championship in December. He also triumphed at last month's European Championships.
In April, fans of Plushenko, who hoped to become the first repeat men's Olympic gold medalist since 1952, but won silver in the free skate at the Vancouver Games, decided to award the skater and his coach "the people's" gold medals.
MOSCOW, August 23 (RIA Novosti)
