Talkin Sport - IOC Statement in the case of Ms Fani Chalkia

The Disciplinary Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reached a decision in the case of an anti-doping rule violation committed by Ms Fani Chalkia.

Samples provided by Ms Chalkia on the 10th August in *****ui, Japan during a pre-competition doping control test, proved positive for the banned substance Methyltrienolone; a steroid with potentially serious effects on health.

The IOC�s Medical Director, Dr Patrick Schamasch, was informed of the positive result on 16th August. At the athlete�s request the �B� sample was tested on 17th August. Later that day this sample also proved positive for the same banned substance. The Greek NOC consequently suspended Ms Chalkia and she left the Olympic Village.

The IOC Disciplinary Commission praised the Greek NOC for its decisive action and cooperation. Meeting today, the Commission; Thomas Bach (Chairman), Gunilla Lindberg and Denis Oswald, reached the following decision:

I. The athlete Fani Chalkia, Greece, Athletics:
(i) is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008;
(ii) shall have her Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately cancelled.

II. The Athlete�s file shall be transmitted to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which is requested to consider any further action within its own competence.

III. The NOC of Greece and BOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision.

IV. The IOC Disciplinary Commission will report the matter to the competent Greek authorities, with a request to investigate possible violations of Greek law, in particular by the coach, George Panagiotopoulos.

V. The IOC reserves its right to take sanctions or measures in relation to the Athlete�s coach, George Panagiotopoulos.

VI. This decision shall enter into force immediately.

A feature of the decision is that the Commission took the step of deciding to notify the Greek authorities of its concerns regarding possible violations of Greek law by Ms Chalkia�s coach, Mr George Panagiotopoulos.

This decision shows the determination of the IOC to broaden the fight against doping to those behind athletes.

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Maurice Fabiettis