Statement regarding Judit Furst-Tombor

The removal of Judit Furst-Tombor (Hungary) from the judging panel for the ladies' event did not come as a surprise. It is another example of the harsh treatment of officials dedicated to the athletes and to the preservation of the sport of figure skating. Judit Furst-Tombor is a highly respected judge with 27 years of refereeing and judging experience.

"I am not surprised that after I supported the important principles and values of the new World Skating Federation, I was kicked out from judging the ladies' event," said Furst-Tombor. "I look forward to the day when all opinions can be heard and honored in the world of figure skating."

The following is the text of the letter from the Hungarian National Skating Federation to the ISU:

Washington, 26 March 2003

Statement from the Hungarian National Skating Federation to the President of the ISU

As the President of the Hungarian National Figure Skating Federation I withdraw our Judge Ms Judit Furst-Tombor from the 2003 World Figure Skating Championships, who was nominated to act as a Judge in this event.

As a founding member of the World Skating Federation, Ms Furst-Tombor is acting against the ISU Constitution, which is not in line with the Hungarian National Skating Federation's policy.

(signed)

Mr Ferenc Batho
President of the Hungarian National Skating Federation