FISA bans the final two rowers in the Lucerne infusion material
case
The International Rowing Federation (FISA) has banned Anastasia
Fatina and Anastasia Karabelshchikova, both members of the
2007 Russian women’s eight, for two years with a start
date retroactive to 27 August 2007.
The athletes were identified through DNA analysis as having
intravenously infused substances for a non-legitmate acute
medical reason. The incriminating evidence was found in a
plastic bag in a rubbish bin outside the Russian team’s
hotel in Lucerne, the day after the Rowing World Cup final
last year. In total, DNA strands from eight individuals were
identified from blood remaining on this medical equipment.
Six of the DNA strands were linked to one other female athlete
and five male athletes from the Russian team. Three of these
athletes were sanctioned in August 2007 during the World Rowing
Championships, and the other three in January this year. Today’s
bans punish the last two remaining athletes identified from
the Lucerne discovery.
Last week, FISA had announced a ban of all Russian Rowing
Federation officials from taking part in any FISA events for
one year. According to FISA Rules, the officials of a National
Federation can be banned if four or more violations of the
Anti-doping code are committed within a twelve month period.
Today’s announcement brings the total of cases within
twelve months to nine (including the case of Olga Samulenkova
who was banned in 2006). Considering this, and according to
Article 12.3.1.1, FISA may now consider a total suspension
of the Russian Rowing Federation, including its athletes,
for a period of up to four years. FISA’s Executive Committee
is now carefully considering further actions and shall release
any ensuing decision shortly.
Matt Smith, FISA Executive Director explained: "These
are the last two athletes identified by DNA analysis to have
used the material found in Lucerne last July. In order to
respect the rights of the athletes, FISA’s policy is
to carry out all investigations fully before it releases any
information about its possible doping cases. This explains
why it took several months before all eight athletes were
identified, heard and sanctioned. We are now satisfied that
every opportunity was given to the athletes to explain their
actions" He added, "The FISA Executive Committee
is currently considering further disciplinary actions on the
Russian Rowing Federation in accordance with Anti-Doping Rule
12.3.1.1, following these last two cases."
Sequence of events:
1. On 15 July 2007, intravenous infusion material was found
in a rubbish bin near the Russian team’s hotel in Lucerne,
Switzerland following the Final of the Rowing World Cup. DNA
analysis of blood remains on this equipment identified eight
individuals.
2. July/August 2007 – Blood samples were collected
from the entire Russian team in training camps and in Munich,
Germany.
3. August 2007 – Vladimir Varfolomeev and Denis Moiseev,
the first two athletes to be identified through DNA analysis
based on blood remains found on the infusion material, were
banned for two years for using a prohibited method. This also
lead to the disqualification of the Russian Lightweight Men’s
double from the 2007 World Rowing Championships;
4. August 2007 - Svetlana Fedorova was identified from the
material and banned for two years for using a prohibited method.
This lead to disqualification of the Russian Women’s
eight from the 2007 World Rowing Championships;
5. January 2008 - Alexander Litvintchev, Evgeny Luzyanin
and Ivan Podshivalov, three additional athletes identified
from blood remains and DNA matching are banned for two years
starting retroactively on 27 August 2008 for using a prohibited
method. This lead to retroactive disqualification of the Russian
Men’s eight from the 2007 World Rowing Championships.
6. On 26 January 2008, following a hearing with the Russian
Rowing Federation, FISA’s Executive Committee decided
to ban all officials of the Russian Rowing Federation to participate
in any FISA activities for one year from 27 January 2008 as
well as fine them CHF 75’000 and charge them for all
expenses associated with these cases.
7. February 2008, Anastasia Fatina and Anastasia Karabelshchikova,
the final two athletes from the Lucerne materials, banned
for two years starting retroactively to 27 August 2008 for
using a prohibited method.
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