IAAF propose two-year ban for drug abuse

ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS

The International Amateur Athletics Federation's council has recommended a reduction from four years to "a minimum of two years" for athletes who fail tests for major prohibited drugs for the first time.

The IAAF's support for the reduction of the penalty for use of anabolic steroids and amphetamines must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the IAAF Congress, the next meeting of which is scheduled to be held on 2-3 August, ahead of the world championships, which begin the following day.

The IAAF medical committee chairman, Dr Arne Ljundqvist, said the decision was made in support of the International Olympic Committee's wish to "harmonise or standardise international drug sanctions."