Posted: April 1, 2005

Athletics: IAAF Refers Case Of Greek Sprinters To CAS

By Bob Ramsak, Track Profile

(c) 2004 Track Profile all rights reserved TrackProfile.com

After a review of the 18-March decision by SEGAS, the Greek athletics federation, to clear Greek sprinters Konstantinos Kenteris and Ekaterina Thanou of anti-doping rule violations, the IAAF's Doping Review Board announced today that the case will be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"The Doping Review Board has concluded that the decision is erroneous and the IAAF will now refer both athletes’ cases to arbitration," a statement issued today read.

Last month, an investigation by a five-member Greek tribunal found that Kenteris and Thanou, the 2000 Olympic 200 meter gold and 100 meter silver medallists respectively, were not properly informed of their missed doping control test on August 12, the day prior to the Opening Ceremonies of last summer's Olympic Games in Athens. The August 12 missed test incident was followed by a motorcycle accident and subsequent four-day hospitalization of the pair.

The statement did not say when the arbitration hearings would be scheduled, stating only that they would proceed "on a timely basis under IAAF rules."

In accordance with IAAF Rules, both athletes remain suspended pending the outcome of the CAS decision. The CAS decision in both cases will be final and binding.

Kenteris and Thanou also face criminal charges, filed by a Greek prosecutor last November, for allegedly staging the accident and missing tests. Tzekos was also charged with illegally importing and selling banned substances. Those cases are expected to come to trial within a year.

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