Two volleyball players banned by the Qatar Anti-Doping Commission

The commission imposed a one-year ban on Al Rayyan Volleyball player, Saoud Waleed Al Kuwari for the presence and use of the prohibited Clomiphene substance. It also sanctioned the Al Sadd Volleyball player, Fernando De Costa for a two-year ban from sport for the presence and use of the S1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroid, Stanozolol. The Qatar Anti-Doping Commission had collected an Out of Competition sample for Al Kuwari on December 23, 2009. The sample tested positive for the S4 Hormone Antagonists and Modulators, Clomiphene. Based on the test result, the Commission decided to impose a one-year ban effective from the date of January 24, 2010. Therefore, he will be ineligible for taking part in recognised sports until midnight, January 24, 2011. Clomiphene is listed as an S4 Hormone Antagonists and Modulators on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List and is prohibited in and out of competition. Athletes in possession, using or attempting to use this Hormone Antagonists and Modulators potentially face serious penalties, including a two-year ban for first offences. In this case the period of ineligibility was reduced, due to exceptional circumstances according to paragraph 10.5 of the World Anti-Doping Code. This decision is subject to appeal within two weeks from the issue date. The Qatar Anti-Doping Commission has also collected an in-competition sample from Costa on January 4 this year. This sample tested positive for the S1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroid, Stanozolol. The Qatar Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel imposed a two-year period of ineligibility against Costa, commencing on February 3, and he is banned from taking part in recognized sports until midnight on February 3, 2012. Stanozolol is listed as an S1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroid on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List and is prohibited in and out of competition. Athletes in possession, using or attempting to use this Anabolic Androgenic Steroid potentially face serious penalties, including a two-year ban for first offences. The decision is subject to appeal within two weeks from the issue date. Dr Fatima Al Malki, Director of the Qatar Anti-Doping Commission called for a drug free sport environment and praised at the same time the full cooperation of sports federations in implementing the Commission Anti-Doping plan. She explained that the Commission has a year-long Out of Competition and In-Competition Anti-Doping plan in the local as well as in the international competitions. The plan is aimed at increasing the athletes awareness of their responsibilities about all substances they allow in their bodies. It also has the objective of consolidating the concept of conducting tests anytime and anywhere.