Gymnastics body bans 4 judges, warns 3 more for errors, bias at 2013 world championships

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Four gymnastics officials have been banned for mistaken and biased judging at the 2013 world championships.

The International Gymnastics Federation says it banned one men’s judge for 12 months and another for nine months.

FIG says two women’s judges got nine-month bans and three were warned following the championships last October in Antwerp, Belgium.

The governing body says it found “erroneous judging, or judging that favoured a certain gymnast or country.”

The officials were not identified, and can appeal to a tribunal.

In separate cases, one rhythmic gymnastics judge received a nine-month ban after the worlds last August in Kyiv, Ukraine. Seven were warned.

FIG President Bruno Grandi says the cases are exceptions, and some judges were sent commendation letters.