Lausanne, Switzerland ? Red-faced and shaking with rage, the French judge at the center of the Olympic figure skating scandal insisted her three-year ban from the sport does little to end the case.

Indeed, Marie-Reine Le Gougne is more defiant than ever.

The International Skating Union sought closure Tuesday by suspending her and French federation chief Didier Gailhaguet until 2005 and barring them from the next Winter Olympics.

But Le Gougne, Gailhaguet and their lawyers said they would fight the case in appeals as long as it takes, and they denounced the ISU ruling as a “farce” and “masquerade.”

Le Gougne vowed to clear her name and threatened to reveal corruption in the sport.

“I hoped that tonight would be the end of a nightmare that has lasted 212 months,” said Le Gougne, clearly furious over the ISU decision. “Unfortunately, that’s not the case. But I am more determined than ever. So it’s no longer a nightmare. Now it’s a real battle. I want my dignity and honor restored.”

The International Skating Union council held a two-day hearing into accusations Le Gougne was pressured by Gailhaguet into voting for the Russians over the Canadians in the pairs competition at the Salt Lake City Games. The Canadians were awarded duplicate gold medals four days later.

The ISU ruled Le Gougne voted for the Russians “although in her own opinion the pair … from Canada presented a better performance.”

The suspensions go into effect immediately and last until April 30, 2005. They cover the annual world championships, European championships, Grand Prix events and exhibitions. In addition, Le Gougne and Gailhaguet are banned from the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, in 2006.