comma

[Allen165]

Is it correct to put a comma after "objective"?

Thus, even if the anti-doping rules were to be regarded as limiting the appellants’ freedom of action, they would not necessarily constitute a restriction of competition incompatible with Article 81 EC because they were justified by a legitimate objective, and such a limitation was inherent in the organization and proper conduct of competitive sport.

Thanks.

[Excalibur]

Thus, even if the anti-doping rules were to be regarded as limiting

Either in the singular:
an/the appellant's

or plural:
appellants'
freedom of action, they would not necessarily constitute a restriction of competition incompatible with Article 81 EC, because they were justified by a legitimate objective; and such a limitation was inherent in the organization and proper conduct of competitive sport.

"...and such a limitation..." refers back to the beginning of the sentence and NOT following straight on from "legitimate objective". It needs separating off. Use a semi-colon as the break.