World 5,000m silver medallist Mohamed Katir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after lacking three doping checks.
The 25-year-old Spaniard is the world indoor 3,000m report holder and the European report holder over 5,000m.
Athletes should log their whereabouts to help unannounced out-of-competition checks, with three missed checks in a 12-month interval leading to a violation.
Katir, who received world 1,500m bronze in 2022, will enchantment in opposition to the sanction.
In an announcement Katir stated he has been subjected to a lot of out-of-competition doping checks – each urine and blood samples – over latest months “with out the slightest downside”.
“I contemplate that there isn’t any violation arising from three location failures within the final 12 months,” Katir stated.
“In a number of the location failures reported by the AIU, I used to be out there on the place, date and time supplied by me.
“It is very important remember that we’re not coping with a case of violating doping guidelines for the usage of prohibited substances or strategies, and even for evading out-of-competition doping controls.”
In response to the athletes’ assertion, the Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) reiterated its dedication to “rigorous compliance” with anti-doping frameworks and stated it “will stay attentive to the choices adopted by the competent authorities”.
“It’s mandatory to emphasize that the integrity of the competitors and the spirit of sportsmanship represent the elemental pillars of a clear and truthful sport, and have to be defended above any sporting achievement,” the RFEA added.
“Consequently, as soon as the official notification concerning the opening of the file was acquired by the World Athletics Integrity Unit, the athlete’s license was instantly suspended.”