Related case:
NADAP Isabel Grech vs ADC - Appeal
January 4, 2021
In February 2020 the National Anti-Doping Commission (ADC) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the volleyball player Isabel Grech for her refusal to submit to sample collection.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and he was heard for the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel.
The Athlete admitted the violation and denied that she acted intentionally. She requested for a reduced sanction and stated that she refused sample collection because of the prescribed medication she had used. Fear and ignorance of the applicable regulations were the reason for her refusal and she was unaware that could have requested for a TUE.
In view of the evidence the Disciplinary Panel finds that the Athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation following her refusal to sample collection. The Panel did not accept that she acted with ignorance and concludes that she willingly disregarded her oblication to submit to sample collection.
The Panel deems that the Athlete was duly warned by the Doping Control Officer of the consequences of her refusal. Further she failed to be aware of the anti-doping rules and that she could apply for a TUE for her prescribed medication.
Therefore the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel decides on 4 January 2021 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 3 February 2020.
