AFP - Former figure skating world champion and 2006 Olympic silver medallist Stephane Lambiel has confirmed his retirement from official competition, the International Skating Union (ISU) said on Tuesday.

Lambiel's agent had earlier announced that the 24 year-old Swiss skater would take part in the professional US 'Thin Ice' dance show later this month as he shifted towards gala events.

"The ISU has been informed by the Swiss Ice Skating (federation) that Stephane Lambiel's management has confirmed his retirement as an amateur from figure skating," ISU spokeswoman Devra Pitt Getaz said.

Under international rules, Lambiel would become ineligible for ISU approved competition the moment he takes part in another event.

Lambiel, the world champion in 2005 and 2006, won silver at the Winter Olympics in Turin four years ago but finished fourth in Vancouver.

His career was plagued by injury and he had retired two years ago because of a chronic adductor problem.

But he had staged a comeback this season lured by the prospect of an Olympic title, finishing runner-up behind Yevgeny Plushenko in the European championships in January.

"The situation is a bit different from four years ago. I'm older and a bit wiser," Lambiel said in Vancouver last month.

"In Torino there was crazy pressure and excitement. Here it's just to enjoy. It's probably my last Olympics, I just want to enjoy every second."

Lambiel told the Swiss newspaper Le Matin on Monday that he was aiming to take part in about 15 shows and exhibitions by the end of April.