Seven athletes from five countries, competing in seven sports, were involved in anti-doping proceedings that came to light in the week ending 25 November. Cases involved a boxer sanctioned due to a past criminal conviction for possession of cannabis with intent to supply; and an English cricketer whose contract with an Australian club has been terminated after a positive test (AAF – an ‘adverse analytical finding’) before any anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) has been confirmed.

In Spain, law enforcement dismantled a criminal group that distributed prohibited substances to elite athletes. The Guardia Civil announced that the group manufactured and distributed illicit medicinal substances both inside and outside Spain. Athletes were charged up to €3,000 per season after being identified as potential customers through a Doctor who worked with the criminal group. A training plan was prepared for them, involving the consumption of nutritional supplementation and substances prohibited in sport.

Medicines and prohibited substances reached the athletes through secure channels, involving third parties to hide the relationship between the Doctor and the athlete. In some cases, prohibited substances were delivered directly to elite athletes. One of the group’s customers was identified as a minor.

Two people have been arrested and six are being investigated. Drugs not authorised in Spain such as Actovegin (extract from calf blood understood to enhance aerobic oxidisation in mammals), Dichloroacetic Acid and anti-asthma drug Theophylline were discovered, in addition to prohibited substances such as Menotropin and caffeine in injectable/suppository format.

Reports in Spain suggested that Vincente Belda, former Directeur Sportif of the Kelme team and his son Vicente Jr., who works for the Astana Qazaqstan team, have been questioned. Reports also suggested that Miguel Angel Lopez was being investigated, however these have been denied by the team cyclist.

Ante la noticia publicada en diferentes medios en las que se afirma que me encuentro investigado en una supuesta red de dopaje. Actualmente no cuento con ningún proceso activo de investigación y mis abogados iniciarían las acciones legales correspondientes de ser necesario. pic.twitter.com/6O03qidgk2

— Miguel Angel Lopez Moreno (@SupermanlopezN) November 24, 2022

Lopez was suspended by the team in July, after reports emerged suggesting that he had been detained as part of an investigation into Marcos Maynar of the University of Extremadura. The Guardia Civil said that its investigation involved somebody who works in the Faculty of Sports Sciences at the University of Extremadura, where Maynar works.

Please continue to send any cases we may have missed or suggestions through to the editor by clicking here. Also, if you’re an athlete, national anti-doping organisation (NADO) or other Results Management Authority and you’d like us to cover a case that you’re involved with, please get in touch! Also – a reminder. The SII Anti-Doping Monitor only features confirmed AAFs (‘positive tests’) or confirmed anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs).

Decision links

Laurie Evans (PCA Statement, Perth Scorchers Statement, Surrey CCC Statement);

Anna Vitkalova (RUSADA Statement);

Simone Sabbioni (NADO Italia Statement);

Michele Luigi Rubeis (NADO Italia Statement);

Jack Arnfield (UKAD Statement; Full Decision);

Alessio Manca (NADO Italia Statement);

Maxim Krasnov (RusAF Statement)