The German Speed Skating and Short Track Association (DESG) is escalating its legal battle against the broadcaster ARD after a Hamburg court ruled that most parts of a critical report were permissible expressions of opinion. The ARD report, released at the onset of the Winter Olympics in February, alleged irregularities within the DESG and highlighted a strained relationship between some athletes and the association's leadership. Following the court's ruling, which found only one aspect of the report incorrect, DESG president Matthias Grosse stated that the decision reflects an 'incorrect legal view' and expressed hope that the Hamburg Higher Regional Court would reach a different conclusion. He affirmed the association's commitment to contest the ruling and ensure that their evidence against what they term false opinions is properly evaluated. In response, ARD sports coordinator Axel Balkausky criticized the DESG for their handling of the situation, particularly after the court's decision and the banning of two ARD journalists from a DESG press conference.