Landis appeal throws spotlight on sports court

By Mark Ledsom

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Floyd Landis's decision last week to appeal against the stripping of his 2006 Tour de France title means the American joins a long list of athletes whose fates have been determined by the powerful but discreet Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Housed in a set-back mansion in an unassuming residential suburb in the Swiss city of Lausanne, CAS rarely attracts notice from the outside world.

But within its thick walls - which once protected military secrets during the building's previous occupation by the Swiss army - decisions have been taken that have instantly stripped away Olympic gold medals, nullified contracts or ended sporting careers.

Following Landis's appeal against the American Arbitration Association ruling that also issued the rider with a two-year ban, the court is now set to determine the rightful ownership of world cycling's biggest prize.

A final decision after the hearing takes place is likely by March.

"The major cases will always attract a lot of publicity," CAS general secretary Mathieu Reeb told Reuters. "But the important thing for us is that we have consistent case law particularly on issues relating to doping.

"The main reason for publishing certain verdicts is to allow athletes and sporting bodies to know what the legal opinion is on matters like these."