Rogge dismisses Plushenko's cries of foul play

INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has dismissed Russian figure skater Evgeni Plushenko's claims that he was unfairly scored at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

DISMISSIVE: International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge insists the judging at the men's figure skating competition in Vancouver was above board (Getty Images)

The Russian was furious after losing his Olympic men's individual title to USA's world champion Evan Lysacek in Vancouver, insisting he should have won gold rather than silver after landing a his quad jump in both the short and long program, something beyond the American.

The argument rumbled on throughout the Games with Plushenko refusing to retract his comment and receiving the backing of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

There has been precedent for controversial judging at Olympic figure skating competitions, with Canada's Jamie Sale and David Pelletier awarded pairs gold after a judging scandal that rocked the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City.

But the International Skating Union introduced a less subjective judging system after Salt Lake City and Rogge is adamant the judges applied the rules perfectly in Vancouver.

"The IOC has discussed the matter with the ISU and the judging has been impeccable," said Rogge.

"They have applied the system that was in place.

"Plushenko is a great champion but he is of the opinion that the quadruple jumps should be valued more in over all scoring.

"He is pleading for a more athletic competition but the fact is that the ISU has another view and prefers the versatility of athletes and gives a greater value on transitions and small steps.

"If he wants things to change he should ask his Russian federation to work with the ISU to adapt the rules."

While Plushenko received his Putin's support in Vancouver, the rest of the Russian squad has felt the wrath of their Prime Minister after capitulating to their worst result since the collapse of the Soviet Empire in 1991.

Russia will host the next Olympic Winter Games in Sochi but having struck just three golds and 15 medals overall to place 11th in the medal table, there are fears the hosts will be humiliated in four years time.

And with an estimated £8bn being dedicated to the hosting of the Games, Putin has called for a change in the attitudes of some of the Russian athletes.

"We need to make serious analysis and organisational conclusions from Vancouver," said Putin.

"We need to change the situation and create conditions for a successful performance at the 2014 Olympics."

Russian Olympic spokesman Gennadi Svets added: Their slightest whim was catered for.

"They only lacked breakfast in bed and they could have had that if they had asked. They proved they couldn't play against real professionals."