Lawsikho Blog

This is your guide to appealing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), especially if you are an Indian lawyer or athlete caught in a global sporting controversy. Whether it is a doping charge, disqualification, or any tough call from a sports body, this guide breaks down how CAS works, when you can approach it, and how to actually file a solid appeal. The article walks you through every step, from filing the Statement of Appeal to building your case with facts, science, and strategy. We also talk about what really matters in CAS: deadlines, documents, credibility, and a whole lot of clarity. If you are serious about standing up for athletes’ rights on the world stage, start here

Introduction

Vinesh Phogat almost had it. The Gold Medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. But just before the finals, everything came crashing down.  Being one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, stood moments away from an Olympic berth

It was heartbreaking to see. But what was the reason? She did not make it through the 50kg weight limit since she was 100 grams over the weight limit. 

The disqualification was absolutely devastating. And not just for her but for Indian wrestling itself. She had trained relentlessly, made weight in the earlier rounds, and was set to fight for gold. 

The next move that was made was the Indian Olympic Association filed an urgent appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Their argument was that Vinesh had cleared the previous weigh-ins, the weight breach was marginal, and the rules had been inconsistently applied. Since less than 24 hours ago, she was in her wight limit. 

But CAS dismissed the appeal. The rulebook, after all, does not bend for heartbreak.

Yes, you and I both know the law can be harsh and honestly, in Phogat’s case, it was unfair. 

But it can also be a powerful tool if used strategically. And that brings us to the core of this guide: how to file and structure an effective appeal before CAS, especially if you are an Indian lawyer representing an athlete on the global stage.

To guide us through the process, I will use a fictional case study, that of Rani Mehra, a 20-year-old Indian sprinter disqualified from the World Athletics Championships due to an alleged doping violation. Rani insists she never knowingly consumed a prohibited substance. Her sample, she says, was contaminated, and her team believes that procedural lapses occurred during the testing and notification process.

Rani is not a real person, but her story is based on scenarios that play out regularly in elite sport. Through her case, we will explore the key questions you must ask, the documents you must prepare, and the arguments you can construct when seeking justice before CAS.

What is CAS, and when can you approach it?

Let us say you are representing an athlete like Rani Mehra. You could also be working with a sports federation. In such cases, for you, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will likely be the final stop on your path to justice. But before we draft appeals or prepare exhibits, you and I must understand what CAS is, when it has jurisdiction, and how it fits into the global sports dispute resolution landscape.

A neutral forum for global sports disputes

So now, what exactly is CAS?

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an independent body. It is a Swiss-based institution that resolves legal disputes in sport through arbitration and mediation. It was established in 1984 under the aegis of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). But, functions autonomously.

CAS is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. It also has offices in Sydney and New York. Hearings may occur at ad hoc divisions or other locations, including virtually, as agreed by the partiesand ad hoc divisions that operate during major events like the Olympics or Asian Games.

So, now do you have to be Swiss in order to approach CAS?

No, you do not need to be Swiss to approach CAS. Nor does your dispute need to be Swiss in nature. You can think of CAS as the ultimate body for sports disputes in general.

So what matters is the presence of a valid arbitration clause, either in an athlete’s contract, in the constitution of a national or international federation, or in the rules of a particular tournament. In fact, most international federations, such as World Athletics, FIFA, BWF, and WADA, require disputes to be finally resolved by CAS.

Two key types of cases

CAS broadly handles two types of cases:

1. Appeals arbitration: This is what most people associate with CAS. You challenge a decision issued by a sports body, such as a doping sanction, a disqualification, or a denial of eligibility, before the CAS. It acts like a final appellate forum in such matters.
   
2. Ordinary arbitration: These are contractual disputes between athletes and agents, clubs and federations, sponsors and organisers. Here, CAS acts like a regular arbitral tribunal.

In Rani’s case, we are dealing with an appeals arbitration, since the matter concerns a sanction imposed by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), and later confirmed by the Athletics Federation of India. Both bodies are signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code, which explicitly gives CAS jurisdiction to hear final appeals.

When can you approach CAS?

This is the first major procedural fork in your journey. CAS is not a court of first instance. You must usually exhaust internal remedies. 

What does that mean? 

It means that an appeal of the decision within the national or international federation’s dispute resolution mechanism, before approaching CAS. 

So, whatever other remedies were available to you, you must use them and try to resolve it through those means before approaching CAS.

It is similar to approaching the Supreme Court of India directly. SC will always ask why other means were not exhausted that are available to you, such as other courts that fall before SC.

Coming back to CAS, in most appealable cases, you must file your appeal within 21 days of receiving the decision. This timeline is strict and non-negotiable.

Keep in mind that the appeal deadline is typically 21 days under Article R49 of the CAS Code, but the applicable sports federation’s rules or the WADC may specify a different timeline (e.g., 30 days for certain anti-doping appeals). You will need to always verify the specific deadline in the governing rules.

Before you start preparing Rani’s statement of appeal, ask yourself:

• Have all prior remedies been exhausted?
• Does the decision explicitly state that an appeal lies to CAS?
• Is the athlete or federation bound by the CAS arbitration clause (by contract, registration, or federation rules)?
• Has the appeal deadline passed?

If the answers align, CAS may hear your appeal. But the process is document-heavy, time-sensitive, and requires strategic clarity from the start. That is what we shall explore next. But before that, I will quickly walk you through jurisdiction. 

A quick note on jurisdiction: Indian law vs international sports law

If you are an Indian lawyer new to CAS proceedings, it is important to understand that CAS does not apply Indian domestic law, unless a particular international federation explicitly incorporates a national legal provision, which is rare.

Instead, CAS applies:

1. The CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration, governed by Swiss law
2. The rules of the relevant international federation (e.g., World Athletics, FIFA, ITF)
3. The World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), where applicable
4.  General principles of sports law and jurisprudence from prior CAS awards

As counsel, your role is to interpret these international frameworks and present them effectively, even if you are trained in Indian law. Indian procedural rules, evidentiary standards, or writ remedies do not apply here.

CAS applies the rules of the relevant sports body and Swiss law as the procedural framework. The substantive law applied in appeals arbitration is primarily the rules of the relevant sports body, such as  World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules and, where applicable, the WADC. Swiss law governs procedural matters and the arbitration agreement’s validity, but substantive national law may apply if explicitly referenced in the governing rules or contract.

That said, your Indian legal training, especially in evidence, fairness, and statutory interpretation, can still serve you well. You simply need to translate those skills into the language and logic of international arbitration.

How to file an appeal before CAS – step by step process

You have confirmed that Rani Mehra’s disqualification falls within CAS’s jurisdiction. You have read the Athletics Federation of India’s final decision. The 21-day clock is ticking. What now?

Let us take a step-by-step look at filing an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This will be based on CAS’s Code of Sports-related Arbitration and practical experience from the field.

Step 1: File the Statement of Appeal

The very first step is the appeal. This is the Statement of Appeal. This is not your full argument, it is your formal notice that you intend to challenge a decision.

You must submit it within 21 calendar days of receiving the decision you are challenging. For Rani, this means 21 days from the date the national authority issued its final ruling.

The Statement of Appeal must include:

• The name and address of the Appellant (e.g., Rani Mehra)
• The name of the Respondent (e.g., the Athletics Federation of India, NADA)
• A copy of the decision being appealed
• A brief statement of the facts and the legal grounds for the appeal
• The relief or remedy sought (e.g., setting aside the disqualification)
• A request for the appointment of a sole arbitrator or a three-member panel
• The name of your arbitrator (if opting for a three-member panel)
• Confirmation of payment of the CAS court office fee (CHF 1,000)

You can file it by email, but it must be followed up with hard copies and original signatures if required.

A pro tip for you is to start gathering all relevant documents before filing the appeal. Do keep in mind that missing even one item can lead to procedural hiccups or delays. 

Step 2: Pay the court office fee

The filing is incomplete without paying the non-refundable court office fee of CHF 1,000 (approx. ₹90,000). This amount must be paid directly to CAS and is mandatory.

So you do not have to wait for an invoice. The CAS website itself provides bank details, and proof of payment must be attached to the Statement of Appeal.

Note that if the athlete is being supported by a federation or NGO, try to arrange the fee in advance. Missing the payment deadline will make your filing invalid.

Step 3: File the Appeal Brief

Within ten days of the Statement of Appeal, you must file the Appeal Brief. This is the heart of your case, the document that lays out your full arguments.

In Rani’s case, the Appeal Brief will set out:

• The timeline of events, from the testing to the disqualification
• The scientific and procedural lapses in the doping control process
• Expert opinion on possible sample contamination
• Legal grounds for setting aside the sanction
• Witness statements or affidavits
• Supporting documents such as laboratory reports, chain of custody forms, prior test records, and communications

Step 4: Await the respondent’s answer

After you file your Appeal Brief, CAS will notify the Respondent (here, NADA or the AFI). The Respondent will then have the opportunity to submit its Answer—its written defence, including exhibits and expert testimony.

If the Respondent does not reply, the case may proceed by default. But usually, you will be up against a detailed defence.

Step 5: Choose the hearing format

You can request a hearing (in-person or virtual), or you can agree to submit the matter on the papers. Most CAS appeals involve a hearing, especially when there are factual disputes.

Hearings typically involve opening statements, examination and cross-examination of witnesses and experts, legal submissions and panel questions

If Rani’s case involves technical doping evidence, insist on a hearing. The human element, testimony, emotion, and credibility can play a crucial role.

Step 6: Await the award

The panel will deliberate and issue a written arbitral award, usually within 2–4 months. The award is binding and enforceable. CAS decisions can only be challenged before the Swiss Federal Tribunal on very narrow procedural grounds, not on the merits.

So what happens?

If Rani wins, the panel may overturn her disqualification and reinstate her eligibility. On the other hand, if she loses, she must serve the sanction imposed, and there is no way out. 

Crafting a compelling appeal: Legal, factual, and strategic considerations

Once you are past the procedural hurdles, the real work begins. A well-drafted appeal before CAS is not just a legal document, it is a strategic narrative. It must combine facts, law, evidence, and persuasive framing, all while anticipating the counterarguments.

Let us return to Rani Mehra. She has been disqualified after a urine sample tested positive for a prohibited substance. Her explanation? A contaminated over-the-counter supplement she had taken during a training camp, without knowing it contained the substance. How do we build her defence?

1. Identify the applicable legal framework

Every CAS case depends on its underlying regulatory framework. You must begin by identifying the rules under which the athlete has been sanctioned.

In doping cases, these typically include:

• The World Anti-Doping Code (WADC)
• The International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI)
• The International Standard for Laboratories (ISL)
• The national anti-doping rules (e.g., NADA Rules in India)

If it is a selection or eligibility dispute, you will instead look at the constitution or selection policy of the relevant federation.

Your first task is to interpret these documents closely. Has the sanction been applied as per the rules? Are there procedural lapses? Was the athlete properly notified, represented, and heard?

2. Build a factual timeline

The facts must be precise, complete, and organised. Draft a timeline from the athlete’s point of view. Include training schedules and competition history. You also need to include medical records and supplements consumed. Also, add the testing dates and procedures followed.

Chain of custody documentation, if applicable, and communications from NADA or other bodies.

You are not just presenting a defence, you are telling a story. In Rani’s case, the story is of an elite athlete who took all reasonable precautions, did not intend to cheat, and may have been let down by systemic lapses.

3. Use expert opinion and science

CAS panels rely heavily on expert evidence, especially in cases involving doping, medical eligibility, or biomechanics.

You should engage a qualified toxicologist or pharmacologist to explain the substance and its trace levels

You will also need a sports medicine expert to provide context on how the athlete’s body may have metabolised the substance.

You might also require a  lab procedures expert to assess the chain of custody and testing reliability

Attach their reports to the Appeal Brief. If needed, request their oral testimony at the hearing.

4. Address intention, negligence, and proportionality

The WADC follows a strict liability regime, meaning athletes are responsible for what enters their bodies. But CAS has consistently held that sanctions must reflect the degree of fault. To qualify for “no significant fault or negligence”, the athlete must establish how the substance entered their system and prove they took reasonable precautions

You must address whether the athlete acted with intention or gross negligence, whether reasonable precautions were taken (e.g., checking supplements) and whether the sanction imposed is proportionate to the facts

In Rani’s case, you may argue that the fault is at most “no significant fault or negligence”, which under the Code allows for a reduction in sanction.

5. Cite precedents and CAS jurisprudence

CAS is not bound by precedent in the common law sense, but earlier awards are frequently cited and persuasive. Use prior cases to support your interpretation of the Code or your request for reduced sanctions.

For example:

• CAS A1/2020 – on inadvertent ingestion
• Jarrion Lawson v. IAAF, CAS 2019/A/6313 – on beef contamination 

For your knowledge, in Shayna Jack’s case the sole arbitrator originally cut Jack’s 4-year ban to 2 years for lack of intent. On appeal, the CAS panel upheld that two-year sanction. The panel applied a “narrow corridor” analysis (as articulated in Lawson), considering scientific evidence, context and credibility, and found Jack’s ingestion “more likely innocent rather than intentional

In Lawson’s case,  the panel fully exonerated Lawson by finding it “more likely than not” that his positive test resulted from contaminated beef and unanimously holding he bore “no fault or negligence,” thereby eliminating his ban.

When it comes to caselaws, use them sparingly, but strategically. The goal is to show that the outcome you are seeking has a reasonable and consistent basis in past rulings.

Your appeal is not just a plea for justice, it is a performance of credibility, logic, and legal command. It must show that your client’s version is both honest and reasonable, that the rules were misapplied or overextended, and that fairness demands a different outcome.

Let us see how to draft one. 

Start with the information of Rani Mehra and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Include a subject and tell briefly why this appeal is being filed. 

Rani Mehra
54 Nehru Marg
New Delhi, 110001
India
[email protected]
+91-98100-12345

May 6, 2025

Court of Arbitration for Sport
Château de Béthusy
Avenue de Beaumont 2
1012 Lausanne, Switzerland

Subject: Statement of Appeal

Appeal reference number: _______

Dear Members of the Court of Arbitration for Sport,

This letter serves as my formal Statement of Appeal against the decision rendered by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), dated July 15, 2025, concerning the two-year suspension imposed on me due to an alleged anti-doping rule violation.

1. Appellant and Respondent Information

Appellant:
Name: Rani Mehra
Address: 54 Nehru Marg, New Delhi 110001, India

Respondent:
Name: Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)
Address: 6 Quai Antoine 1er, BP 357, MC 98007 Monaco Cedex

2. Jurisdiction and time limit clause

So it is standard to briefly confirm that the CAS has jurisdiction under Rule 38 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules and that the appeal is timely filed within 21 days of the AIU decision.

This appeal is filed within the 21-day period prescribed under Article R49 of the CAS Code. The jurisdiction of CAS is accepted by both parties. 

3. Background and facts

Here, you need to provide a brief background of the case. Include relevant facts leading to the appeal. This should be in the context of the decision and any pertinent details surrounding the events.

I am a 20-year-old Indian sprinter who competed at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. On March 28, 2025, I was informed by the AIU that my out-of-competition sample collected on February 10, 2025, had tested positive for oxandrolone, an anabolic agent prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List.

As a result, I was provisionally suspended. I later received a decision imposing a two-year period of ineligibility.

I maintain that I have never knowingly ingested any prohibited substance. I suspect the presence of oxandrolone may be attributable to a contaminated nutritional supplement, purchased from a certified domestic supplier. I submitted all requested documents, including the product packaging, purchase receipts, and a full list of substances consumed, but the AIU rejected my explanation.

I have no prior violations and have consistently adhered to anti-doping protocols throughout my career.

4. Legal grounds for appeal

Here, you need to explain the legal grounds for your appeal, referencing any relevant statutes, agreements, or regulations that support your case. Explain why the decision should be overturned or modified.

This appeal is made on the following legal grounds:

4. Legal grounds for appeal

4.1 Lack of intent – Article 10.2.1.1 WADC

4.1.1. The AIU failed to adequately consider the absence of intent to cheat or gain an unfair advantage.

4.1.2. The World Anti-Doping Code imposes strict liability, but it also requires a proper assessment of the athlete’s intent or lack thereof. I had no intention to cheat or enhance performance. My conduct, prompt cooperation, and supplement disclosure all support this.

4.1.3. This position is supported by CAS 2010/A/2230, which held that while strict liability applies, intent must still be properly evaluated to determine the appropriate sanction.

4.2 Contamination defence – Article 10.6.1.2 WADC

4.2.1. There is credible evidence that the ingestion was through a contaminated product not labelled to contain the prohibited substance.

4.2.2. There is a credible contamination scenario, as in Jarrion Lawson v. IAAF (CAS 2019/A/6313), where an athlete ingested a contaminated beef at a restaurant. The panel found that reasonable precautions had been taken and lifted his ban. Similarly, CAS A1/2020 recognised inadvertent ingestion and reduced the sanction under Article 10.6.1.2.

4.2.3. I sourced the supplement from a legitimate, domestic supplier, retained packaging and receipts and declared all substances used during doping control. Expert toxicology and pharmacology reports will support this theory.

4.3 Proportionality and Fairness

4.3.1.  A two-year ban for a first-time, unintentional violation is disproportionate and fails to consider mitigating circumstances.

4.3.2. The imposed two-year ban is disproportionate given that: This is a first violation, the ingestion was unintentional, I took reasonable precautions, and there is no performance benefit from the detected trace amount.

4.3.3. In CAS A1/2020, the panel emphasised proportionality in cases of inadvertent ingestion.

Given these factors, I respectfully assert that the decision should be overturned or, at minimum, the sanction should be reduced substantially.

5. Request for relief

Here you should clearly state your first request, e.g., “overturn the decision made by the Respondent”. State any additional requests, e.g., “if applicable, grant an interim measure pending the outcome of this appeal”. Include any other specific relief sought.

In light of the foregoing, I respectfully request that the Court of Arbitration for Sport:

• Overturn the decision of the AIU dated July 15, 2025.
• Alternatively, reduce the sanction imposed, considering the mitigating circumstances.
• Grant a stay of the execution of the suspension pending the final decision on this appeal.
• Direct the AIU to expunge the disqualification from the 2025 World Athletics Championships from my record if the appeal is successful.

6. Nomination of Arbitrator

You can nominate an Arbitrator.  The default appeal panel is three arbitrators under R50. Note that a three-member panel is assumed unless a sole arbitrator is jointly requested. If you want to request one, you can add it here. 

I hereby nominate Dr. Sara Martinez, an arbitrator listed in the CAS directory with experience in doping-related disputes, to serve as my arbitrator in this matter. Should the Respondent agree to a sole arbitrator, I am amenable to that course.

7. Stay of execution

You can request s stay of execution, but keep in mind that a request for a stay of execution must demonstrate a strong case, significant irreparable harm (e.g., missing major competitions), and that the balance of interests favours the athlete. This means that the counsel should provide detailed arguments and evidence in the stay request.

I request a stay of execution of the suspension on the grounds that the appeal has a reasonable prospect of success and continued suspension would cause irreparable harm to my athletic career, including disqualification from Olympic qualification events scheduled this year.

8. Relevant provisions

Attached to this Statement of Appeal are the following documents:

1. A copy of the AIU decision dated July 15, 2025
2. The laboratory test report
3. Documentation and receipts for the nutritional supplement in question
4. A witness statement from my nutritionist
5. Excerpts from the World Anti-Doping Code relevant to the appeal

I understand that the CAS office fees are applicable, and I confirm that I will remit the necessary fee of CHF 1,000 to the CAS Court Office as per guidelines.

Thank you for considering my appeal. I look forward to your acknowledgement of this Statement and the subsequent steps in this process.

Sincerely,

[Signed]
Rani Mehra
Athlete

Additional information on the Statement of Appeal

I am also going to tell you a few more things that you should follow. The following procedural aspects and requirements become quite essential when drafting a Statement of Appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS):

Contents of the Statement: Besides the basic information, it needs a few more things. The Statement of Appeal must explicitly mention the grounds for appeal, clearly defined in your submission. So what does it entail? It includes quoting specific articles or rules from the relevant statutes or previous decisions that support your case.

Structured format: What is the goal? The goal of the appeal is that it should be structured clearly to facilitate understanding. Which means that each section must be thorough enough to provide a well-rounded argument without unnecessary repetition. This involves outlining the pivotal facts, legal bases, and relief sought within the constraints of CAS procedural rules; skipping this is not recommended. 

Legal representation: While individuals may represent themselves, it is always advisable to involve someone familiar with sports law. Especially focusing on the CAS procedural nuances related to your case. Having legal counsel helps ensure compliance and addresses any complex legal matters effectively.

Key procedural tips and pitfalls to avoid

Even the strongest arguments can falter if you miss a procedural step. CAS is a highly specialised forum, it has its own Code, tight timelines, and specific expectations from parties and counsel. As an Indian lawyer representing athletes on the international stage, you must be especially careful with the details.

Let us walk through what you, as counsel for Rani Mehra, must keep in mind once the appeal is filed.

1. Master the CAS Code and the procedural rules

The CAS Code is your bible. Read it in full, not just the articles relevant to appeals. Pay close attention to:

• Article R47–R59, which cover appeals
• Deadlines for filing documents, including the Statement of Appeal, Appeal Brief, witness list, and exhibits
• Procedural language and the seat of arbitration, which influence logistics and costs

Missing a deadline or misunderstanding the scope of a request can derail the case. CAS does not easily entertain procedural irregularities, especially from lawyers.

2. Choose the right language and location

CAS proceedings are usually conducted in English or French, but the default is English for most Indian disputes. Confirm your client’s comfort with the language of the proceedings.

Also, although CAS is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, hearings may be conducted remotely or at CAS’s ad hoc division locations, such as at Olympic venues. You can request a virtual hearing if travel is an issue.

3. Frame your request for relief precisely

CAS arbitrators are bound by your prayers for relief. Vague or overly broad prayers will not be entertained. For instance, do not simply request a “reduction in sanction”—specify the sanction sought, the grounds, and the supporting legal basis.

In Rani’s case, your prayer could be:

“To set aside the decision dated ___ and replace it with a reprimand and no period of ineligibility, or alternatively, a reduction of the ineligibility period to three months under Article ___ of the WADC.”

Be as specific and as realistic as possible.

4. Decide between a sole arbitrator and a panel

For most doping appeals, CAS allows you to choose either a sole arbitrator or a three-member panel. 

Ask yourself:

• Is this case legally complex or high-profile?
• Is your client comfortable with a single decision-maker?
• Can you agree with the other party on the arbitrator?

If the stakes are high and the matter contentious, a three-member panel may be prudent. But for most straightforward cases like Rani’s, a sole arbitrator suffices—provided you choose wisely.

5. Communicate clearly with the CAS Court Office

All correspondence with the CAS Court Office must be professional, complete, and well-organised. Use cover letters when filing documents. Label exhibits clearly. Respond to queries on time.

Poor communication reflects poorly on your client. It may also result in procedural setbacks or adjournments that your client can ill afford.

These are not merely bureaucratic boxes to tick, they are the scaffolding that holds your case up. If you are sloppy, your case will collapse before it is heard. But if you are careful, consistent, and precise, you will earn the tribunal’s trust, and that is half the battle.

The hearing and beyond – strategy, decorum, and next steps

By the time you reach the hearing, your case is largely on paper. But hearings at CAS, especially in doping and eligibility cases, can still be decisive. They allow arbitrators to gauge credibility, probe inconsistencies, and assess the sincerity of your client. As counsel, your role is to make sure the facts and law land with clarity and conviction.

Let us revisit Rani Mehra’s case. After weeks of preparation, the hearing is scheduled via videoconference. The arbitrator wants clarity on her supplement use, the test protocols followed, and whether her conduct reflects negligence or innocence. This is your final opportunity to persuade.

1. Prepare your client like a witness, not a victim

Athletes often feel betrayed or overwhelmed during proceedings. But at CAS, emotion alone does not win cases. You must prepare your client thoroughly for testimony. That means practising difficult questions without rehearsed answers and explaining the structure and tone of the hearing

You also need to ensure that they understand what “strict liability” means, so they do not accidentally admit fault

Rani must be composed, transparent, and honest. The panel will appreciate humility over indignation, and responsibility over denial.

2. Keep your oral submissions focused

This is not the time to repeat everything in your Appeal Brief. Instead:

• Highlight the strongest facts that support your narrative
• Clarify any inconsistencies in documents or witness accounts
• Address the arbitrator’s key concerns (these are often hinted at in pre-hearing directions or questions)

Use your time strategically. Do not litigate for applause—litigate for relief.

3. Treat the panel like a court, not a committee

Although CAS operates as a private arbitral body, you must treat the proceedings with the decorum of a court. That means things like referring to the arbitrators as “Mr President” or “Madam Arbitrator”, letting the panel lead the pace and not interrupting or reacting emotionally to unfavourable observations

This is especially important if you are appearing as an Indian counsel. You are representing not just your client, but your jurisdiction’s professionalism.

4. Consider settlement or partial admissions

If the evidence is overwhelming and your client is clearly at fault, consider proposing a partial admission with a plea for leniency. CAS encourages consent awards and settlements where appropriate.

This can be done confidentially through the CAS office or directly with the other party’s counsel. In Rani’s case, if full exoneration is unlikely, this may reduce her ineligibility period and preserve future eligibility.

5. After the award, compliance and reputation management

Once the final award is delivered, it is binding. CAS awards are enforceable under the New York Convention, and cannot be appealed on merits—only on limited procedural grounds before the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

But your role does not end there. If the award is adverse, advise your client on media and public statements, rehabilitation and eligibility timelines, and monitoring for future testing or sanctions

If the award is favourable, ensure that enforcement is quick and that any affected stakeholders (federations, organisers, sponsors) are informed.

Conclusion

So what have you learnt so far? 

Filing an appeal before CAS is not just a legal challenge; it is a test of preparation, persuasion, and poise. So, whether you are representing a young sprinter from India or a seasoned wrestler on the Olympic path, the principles remain the same. Which is that you need to know the rules, respect the process, and build your case with honesty and rigour.

Rani Mehra may be fictional, but her situation is not. These things are quite common. Every year, Indian athletes face career-defining moments before global tribunals. And as lawyers, you and I are called upon not just to defend their rights, but to ensure that the law becomes a platform for fairness, not just formality.