Mohamed Katir Banned for Four Years After Falsifying Documents in Whereabouts Failure Probe

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain

Spanish runner Mohamed Katir has been handed a four-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for falsifying documents during an investigation into his whereabouts failures. Katir had already been suspended for two years earlier this year for similar violations.

The 26-year-old, who earned a silver medal in the 5,000m at the World Athletics Championships in 2023, admitted to three whereabouts failures during the year. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) "whereabouts" rule, athletes must be available for one hour each day to be tested for performance-enhancing drugs when not competing.

Three missed tests within 12 months lead to a rule violation under World Athletics' anti-doping regulations. Katir will serve both the current and new bans concurrently, extending his period of ineligibility to February 2028.

The AIU stated that Katir had falsified travel documents, including an itinerary, boarding pass, and booking confirmation, to mislead investigators. However, the Disciplinary Tribunal ruled against the AIU’s request to disqualify Katir’s results from March 9, 2023, stating that he had not gained any competitive advantage.

AIU head Brett Clothier emphasized the importance of upholding strict anti-doping rules. “The vast majority of our elite athletes respect the sport’s rules, and this action reinforces the integrity of the competition,” he said.