Swiss powerlifter Carole Deiana has been sanctioned with a four year ban for refusing a doping test on 10 March 2018 at the ‘Grand Prix d’Endurance de Pont-de-Claix – benchpress & deadlift’. On 18 February 2019, the French anti-doping agency (AFLD) found that she had violated Article 232-22 of France’s Sports Code, which covers anti-doping.

‘According to the statement of control and the supplementary report drawn up by the doping control officer, Ms Deiana signed the minutes of the inspection ordering her summons, a slip of which was given to her, but then refused to submit to the taking samples, having been informed of the disciplinary sanctions that may be incurred for such behaviour’, read an AFLD statement. Under the French Sports Code, the AFLD is ‘competent to institute disciplinary proceedings against persons not licensed by French sporting federations’, continued the statement. 

Deiana’s sanction will run from 27 March 2019 – the date on which she was notified of the offence – until 27 March 2023. The sanction was also announced by Anti-Doping Switzerland.