World 5,000m silver medallist Mohamed Katir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after missing three doping tests.
The 25-year-old Spaniard is the world indoor 3,000m record holder and the European record holder over 5,000m.
Athletes must log their whereabouts to assist unannounced out-of-competition tests, with three missed tests in a 12-month period resulting in a violation.
Katir, who won world 1,500m bronze in 2022, will appeal against the sanction.
In a statement Katir said he has been subjected to a large number of out-of-competition doping tests – both urine and blood samples – over recent months “without the slightest problem”.
“I consider that there is no violation arising from three location failures in the last 12 months,” Katir said.
“In some of the location failures reported by the AIU, I was available at the place, date and time provided by me.
“It is important to keep in mind that we are not dealing with a case of violating doping rules for the use of prohibited substances or methods, or even for evading out-of-competition doping controls.”
In response to the athletes’ statement, the Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) reiterated its commitment to “rigorous compliance” with anti-doping frameworks and said it “will remain attentive to the decisions adopted by the competent authorities”.
“It is necessary to emphasise that the integrity of the competition and the spirit of sportsmanship constitute the fundamental pillars of a clean and fair sport, and must be defended above any sporting achievement,” the RFEA added.
“Consequently, once the official notification regarding the opening of the file was received by the World Athletics Integrity Unit, the athlete’s license was immediately suspended.”