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16 July 2026
On 9 August 2024, paraphernalia was discovered at the wrestling venue of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This included an infusion system composed of an empty used infusion bag of 500 mL, a flow regulator and a needle¹.
Following investigations conducted by the ITA, including forensic DNA analysis on the paraphernalia, the ITA was able to conclude that the paraphernalia had been used by Ramadan Hussen (Egypt). Accordingly, the ITA charged the athlete with a violation of Article 2.2 of the International Olympic Committee Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 (IOC ADR) for Use of a Prohibited Method, more particularly use of intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than a total of 100 mL per 12-hour period.
Over the course of the results management proceedings, the athlete was unable to establish that his use of the infusion was legitimately received in the course of hospital, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic investigations.
As a result, the ITA issued a sanctioning decision in accordance with Article 7.8.3 of the IOC ADR² confirming that Ramadan Hussen had committed an ADRV and disqualifying the athlete’s 12th place results in the Men’s wrestling freestyle 74 kg category at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.³
The matter is considered as concluded from the perspective of the IOC. Relevant Anti-Doping Organisations, such as WADA and the athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organisation as well as the athlete, have a right of appeal against the ITA’s decision.
The ITA on behalf of United World Wrestling will now determine the applicable consequences for the athlete’s ADRV under the UWW Anti-Doping Rules, including the period of ineligibility.
There will be no further comments on this case on behalf of the IOC.
¹ The ITA confirms that no Prohibited Substance was found in infusion bag, flow regulator or needle.
² When an athlete does not challenge the assertion of an ADRV and does not request a hearing, anti-doping organisations have the possibility to issue a written decision sanctioning the athlete and imposing the applicable consequences without having to refer the case to a hearing panel. This is provided in articles 7.3.2 and 7.8.3 of the IOC ADR and article 8.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
³ Mr Ramadan Hussen was not subject to a mandatory provisional suspension since the prohibited method is classified as a specified method and the period of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 had already concluded. Accordingly, pursuant to the ITA’s Public Disclosure Policy with regards to ADRVs, the case was not publicly reported pending the conclusion of its results management.
