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Penalties for Rule Breaches

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This document delineates the established framework of penalties and sanctions applicable to participants in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in the event of non-compliance with the Contest's stipulated rules and regulations. These measures are implemented by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to uphold the integrity, fairness, and operational standards of the competition.

You can find the full regulations on the EBU website.

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT!

1. General Principles of Enforcement​

The European Broadcasting Union, through its designated supervisory bodies, maintains vigilant oversight of all activities pertaining to the Eurovision Song Contest. The primary objective of enforcement is to ensure strict adherence to the Contest Rules, thereby preserving the competitive balance and the reputation of the event as a non-political, entertainment-focused spectacle.

  • Monitoring and Verification: All aspects of participation, including song eligibility, performer conduct, technical presentations, and adherence to content guidelines, are subject to continuous monitoring and verification by the EBU and its appointed independent auditors and observers.
  • Apolitical Stance: A fundamental principle of the Contest is its apolitical nature. Any actions, statements, or symbols that contravene this principle are subject to punitive measures.

2. Categories of Sanctions​

Breaches of the Contest Rules may result in the application of various sanctions, the severity of which is determined by the nature, gravity, and recurrence of the infraction. The hierarchy of potential penalties is as follows:

  • Formal Warning: For minor infractions or initial instances of non-compliance, a formal written warning may be issued to the offending participating broadcaster or delegation. This serves as an official notification of the breach and a directive for immediate rectification.
  • Financial Penalty: More significant or repeated breaches may incur a financial penalty. The quantum of such a penalty shall be determined by the EBU, taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the violation, its impact on the Contest, and any prior disciplinary history of the offending party.
  • Sanctions Affecting Participation: For serious or persistent breaches, sanctions directly impacting the ability to participate in the Contest may be imposed. These include, but are not limited to:
    • Exclusion from Specific Events: Temporary exclusion from certain official events or activities associated with the Contest (e.g., press conferences, red carpet events).
    • Reduction of Voting Privileges: In specific instances, a participating broadcaster's voting privileges or the weight of its jury/televote may be adjusted or suspended.
    • Disqualification of Entry: A severe breach, particularly concerning song originality, content restrictions (e.g., political messaging), or performer eligibility, may lead to the outright disqualification of the offending entry from the current Contest.
    • Exclusion from Future Contests: The most stringent sanction involves exclusion from participation in future editions of the Eurovision Song Contest. This exclusion may extend for a specified period, typically up to a maximum of three consecutive years, depending on the egregious nature of the violation.

3. Specific Instances of Rule Breaches and Associated Consequences​

While not exhaustive, the following examples illustrate types of rule breaches that may lead to the aforementioned penalties:

  • Violation of Flag Display Rules: As stipulated in the Performer Requirements, the display of unauthorized flags or political symbols by performers or delegations in official spaces constitutes a breach. Consequences may include confiscation of the offending item, removal of the individual(s) from the venue, and further sanctions against the delegation.
  • Breach of Song Originality/Release Date Rules: If a song is found not to be original or to have been publicly released prior to the stipulated date, immediate disqualification of the entry is a probable outcome.
  • Non-Compliance with Performer Eligibility: Instances where performers do not meet age requirements or exceed the maximum number of individuals on stage may lead to disqualification.
  • Disruptive or Offensive Conduct: Any conduct by participants or delegations deemed disruptive, offensive, or contrary to the spirit of the Contest's values may result in disciplinary action, ranging from warnings to exclusion.
  • Attempts to Influence Voting: Any verified attempt to unduly influence the voting outcome, including bulk voting or other irregular patterns, shall result in severe penalties, potentially including disqualification and future exclusion.
  1. Due Process and Appeals All decisions regarding penalties are made following a thorough review of the alleged infraction. Affected parties are typically afforded an opportunity to present their case. Decisions rendered by the EBU's Executive Supervisor and relevant committees are final, though specific appeal mechanisms may be outlined in the comprehensive Contest Rules.