Related cases:
FISA 2008 FISA vs Russian Rowing Federation (1)
January 27, 2008
FISA 2008 FISA vs Russian Rowing Federation (2)
April 4, 2008
The International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA) was informed that medical materials were found in a rubbish bin near the hotel used by the Russian team in Lucerne during the World Cup Regatta from 13-15 July 2007. This comprised intravenous infusion equipment, along with legal substances such as creatine and fructose. The materials were taken to the Anti-Doping Laboratory in Lausanne and analysed. Hereafter the DNA of two of the blood samples, provided by the Russian Athletes, matched with the DNA samples from the blood found on the needles.
In August 2007 the International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athletes Vladimir Varfolomeev and Denis Moiseev for intravenous infusion with no legitimate medical treatment.
FISA notified the Athletes and a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athletes filed a statement in their defence and were heard for the FISA Doping Hearing Panel.
The Athletes admitted the used intravenous infusions to inject themselves with creatine phosphate. The Athlete’s argued that both had heart conditions and a doctor at a medical institute in Moscow had prescribed creatine phosphate to their condition. The Athletes stated they did not know that intravenous infusion was forbidden.
In support the Athlete’s produced documents of Russian doctors indicating the medical condition of the Athlete’s and the prescribed treatment.
The Panel concludes that the Athlete’s used a prohibited method, intravenous infusion, for sports recovery purposes, rather than medical treatment, without a medical advice or under medical supervision.
Therefore the FISA Doping Hearing Panel decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete’s, starting on 27 August 2007.
