DOPING SCANDAL: Russia lose junior silver medal | Handball Planet
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DOPING SCANDAL: Russia lose junior silver medal

The EHF Court of Handball has released its decision in a case against the Russian Handball Federation following anti-doping infringements of three of its players at the Women’s 19 EHF EURO 2017.

The federation has been disqualified from the competition and all matches are lost by forfeit. The team’s silver medal from the Women’s 19 EHF EURO 2017 is thus also forfeited.

Furthermore, the federation shall pay a fine of €20,000 and is suspended from participation in the next EHF competition of the same category for two years. The latter sanction is deferred for a probationary period of two years.  

The case against the Russian federation was opened after three of its players were tested positive for the metabolic modulator Meldonium, which is banned under Class S4 of the 2017 World Anti-Doping Agency‘s (WADA) Prohibited List.

According to Article 10 of the EHF Regulations for Anti-Doping, if more than two members of a team are found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation during an EHF competition period, the competent legal body shall also impose an appropriate sanction on the federation.

In its decision the Court of Handball underlined that it is of utmost importance for all stakeholders involved to ensure a clean sport.

“It is crucial for the interest of our competition as it ensures the equality of chances among all participants, be it players or teams.”

“It is crucial for the future of our players not to jeopardise their health and also their reputation,” the panel said. 

“Besides, […] the overall credibility of our sport is at stake, not only towards sponsors but also towards the public opinion including past, current and future players.”

It was the panel’s view that therefore the violations being dealt with in the present case have been serious and must be sanctioned accordingly while keeping in mind the principle of proportionality.

An appeal against the decision may be filed within seven days. Any appeal against the present decision shall not have any suspensive effect in accordance with article 12.1 of the EHF Regulations for Anti-Doping.

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