The EU ordered the Int'l Skating Union to change its rules after it "threatened two speed skaters with a lifetime ban if they took part in a new commercial event," according to Rochelle Toplensky of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Two Dutch speed skaters, Olympic champion Mark Tuitert and world champion Niels Kerstholt, complained to the EU of a “grave injustice” after the ISU threatened them with a permanent ban from int'l events such as the Olympics and world championships if they participated in Dubai’s "big-money" Ice Derby. The EU said on Friday that the ban was an “extreme” restriction on speed skaters that protected the ISU’s “commercial interests and prevent(ed) others from setting up their own events.” Sporting associations can limit an athlete’s participation if they have "objective concerns about an outside event" -- for example safety, anti-doping or match-fixing. But punishments for breaking those rules "needed to be proportionate," the EU said. The ISU said that it "disagreed with the decision and that its rules were essential to protect the health and safety of skaters and the integrity of events." It is considering an appeal. Ben van Rompuy, the lawyer for the complainants and a lecturer at Leiden University, said Friday’s ruling was “a clear warning signal to other sports” (FT, 12/8).