The change ensures Barbosu can contest the claim from American gymnast Jordan Chiles, who is seeking to overturn the final results of the floor exercise competition.
Funding approved for CAS legal battle
Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Sorin Grindeanu described the legislative adjustment as a strong message. He said, 'If you are wronged, this country stands by you.' The approval came in response to a request by the Romanian Gymnastics Federation. The Federation estimated the cost of the case at around 250,000 Swiss francs. The expenses included lawyer fees, expert opinions, translations, and other procedural charges. Until now, COSR faced legal restrictions on using public funds. The restrictions were for sports-related international disputes. The amendment has lifted those barriers.
The one-minute scoring dispute revisited
The core of the case remains a technical but critical question: did USA Gymnastics submit a score inquiry within the one-minute time limit required by competition rules? The initial CAS ruling was overturned in January after new evidence was presented, and the case was sent back for a fresh hearing. The new evidence centered around the timing of the appeal process and whether it met the strict procedural deadlines. The second hearing is now set to take place in Lausanne, where both sides will present their arguments again.
Barbosu expressed gratitude for the support from her country in a public message. She said, 'Thank you very much for the support and efforts made to make it possible to represent the Romanian side before the court in Lausanne.' She added, 'I always remain confident that the state fights for its most trusted ambassadors, the athletes.' Her words came after weeks of uncertainty. The Romanian delegation was unsure whether it could afford to defend her. The legal process could be long and costly.
Doping suspension still pending
Even as the Olympic medal case moves forward, Barbosu is dealing with another issue in the sports world. The agency requires athletes to report their locations so that they can be tested randomly for doping. Barbosu has argued that the failures were the result of her relocation from Romania to the United States to pursue her education and training at Stanford University.
She maintains the violations are not related to any use of banned substances. 'This situation has nothing to do with prohibited substances, and I have been grateful for the guidance and support throughout the process,' she said. Instead of accepting a potential sanction, she has asked for a hearing before the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. There, she plans to challenge the allegations and present her own evidence to explain the circumstances surrounding the whereabouts failures.
However, no final decision has been made in Barbosu's case. The ITA has not yet issued a ruling, and she remains under the provisional suspension while the hearing process continues.