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World 5,000m silver medallist Mohamed Katir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after missing three doping tests.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 25-year-old Spaniard is the world indoor 3,000m record holder and the European record holder over 5,000m.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Katir, who won world 1,500m bronze in 2022, will appeal against the sanction.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
“I consider that there is no violation arising from three location failures in the last 12 months,” Katir said. <\/p>\n
“In some of the location failures reported by the AIU, I was available at the place, date and time provided by me.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n