AMATEUR POWERLIFTER’S DOPING SUSPENSION EXTENDED

Swiss Sport Integrity (SSI) has extended a powerlifter’s suspension by eight years.

This action was taken because the athlete ordered methasterone—a prohibited substance—whilst already serving a suspension for a doping violation.

During a postal inspection, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) seized a package addressed to an amateur athlete containing methasterone (a prohibited substance) and forwarded it to SSI.

SSI informed the individual—who was already serving a four-year suspension at the time of the order—that the possession and attempted use of a prohibited substance constituted a potential violation of the Swiss Olympic Doping Statute (the Doping Statute).

Following notification of the potential violation, the individual contested his subjection to the Doping Statute. SSI reminded the powerlifter that suspended individuals remain subject to the Doping Statute throughout the duration of their suspension.

SSI subsequently issued a notice of charge. As the amateur athlete did not contest the violation or respond to the proposed sanctions within the allotted timeframe, SSI issued a results management decision extending the current suspension by eight years.

This additional suspension will run from 19 August 2029 to 18 August 2037 and applies to all sports and roles within sport worldwide.

Furthermore, the athlete is required to pay a fine of 120 francs.

SSI reminds all athletes that the Doping Statute applies to any athlete holding a licence or belonging to a club or federation affiliated with Swiss Olympic. Anti-doping rule violations committed during an ongoing suspension are also subject to sanctions. In the event of a repeat offence, the penalty may be doubled, or even a lifetime suspension imposed.

We advise and represent clients in doping cases in Switzerland, and further information is available from either Dr Lucien Valloni or Kim Gamboni by emailing them at valloni@valloni.ch and gamboni@valloni.ch respectively.