World 5,000m silver medallist Mohamed Katir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after lacking three doping assessments.
The 25-year-old Spaniard is the world indoor 3,000m document holder and the European document holder over 5,000m.
Athletes should log their whereabouts to help unannounced out-of-competition assessments, with three missed assessments in a 12-month interval leading to a violation.
Katir, who gained world 1,500m bronze in 2022, will attraction towards the sanction.
In a press release Katir mentioned he has been subjected to numerous out-of-competition doping assessments – each urine and blood samples – over current months “with out the slightest drawback”.
“I think about that there isn’t any violation arising from three location failures within the final 12 months,” Katir mentioned.
“In among the location failures reported by the AIU, I used to be out there on the place, date and time supplied by me.
“You will need to understand that we aren’t coping with a case of violating doping guidelines for the usage of prohibited substances or strategies, and even for evading out-of-competition doping controls.”
In response to the athletes’ assertion, the Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) reiterated its dedication to “rigorous compliance” with anti-doping frameworks and mentioned it “will stay attentive to the selections adopted by the competent authorities”.
“It’s needed to emphasize that the integrity of the competitors and the spirit of sportsmanship represent the basic pillars of a clear and truthful sport, and should be defended above any sporting achievement,” the RFEA added.
“Consequently, as soon as the official notification concerning the opening of the file was obtained by the World Athletics Integrity Unit, the athlete’s license was instantly suspended.”