APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Seven Ethiopian athletes are under investigation for possible breaching of doping rules, according to the national anti-doping body.
Mekonnen Yidersal, Director General of Ethiopia Anti-Doping Authority, Friday told local media that the runners tested positive for performance enhancing substances in the samples they gave in the first round.
The director didn’t disclose any further details including the names of the athletes in question due to ongoing investigations that require additional testing before establishing guilt.
Four of the seven are under investigation by the National anti-doping authority, according to Yidersal .
The other three cases are in the hands of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), an independent body formed by World Athletics to combat doping in the sport.
The outcomes of the cases – in the final stages – will be made public, the national anti-doping body said.
The cases have created concerns for the authorities prompting them to expand their probe into those who could encourage the athletes to breach doping rules.
Athletics coaches, agents, medical experts and health facilities are the subject of the ongoing investigation, Yidersal said . So far, one health worker has been arrested and charged, he said, while a pharmacy saw its license suspended for three months.
Ethiopia is among seven ‘Category A’ countries under World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules, meaning their athletes must undergo at least three no-notice, out-of-competition urine and blood tests before any major athletics events.
Last year, 46 Ethiopian athletes had to undergo 241 out-of-competition tests domestically without including the AIU tests prior to their participation in the World Athletics Championships Oregon22.
MG/as/APA