ICAS WELCOMES RELEASE OF CAS ARBITRATOR PROF. ALIAKSANDR DANILEVICH (BELARUS)

Lausanne, 29 July 2026 – The International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS) welcomes the release of Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) arbitrator Professor Aliaksandr Danilevich, PhD in Law, arrested on 20 May 2022 by the Belarusian secret service (KGB RB) after co-signing a petition calling for the immediate termination of hostilities in Ukraine. On 10 April 2023, Prof. Danilevich was found guilty of “calling for sanctions against Belarus and aiding extremism”. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, reduced to 6 years in appeal. He was released after spending 4 years and 2 months in jail.

Prof. Danilevich is a successful Belarusian lawyer and arbitrator on behalf of the CAS since 2011. He was a member of the Disciplinary Committee of Rugby Europe at the time of his arrest and is recognised for his professional reputation and achievements. ICAS and CAS wish him the best for a peaceful return among his family and friends, and to his professional activities.

The International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS) is the administrative and financial authority that governs the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It works to safeguard CAS’ independence, and the rights of Parties involved in CAS proceedings.