Back
6 November 2026
The ITA confirms that Bozhidar Dimitrov Andreev has been sanctioned with a four-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for mesterolone metabolite following an out-of-competition doping control conducted by the ITA on 15 October 2025.
Mesterolone is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). It is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. Mesterolone is known for its potent androgenic properties by increasing testosterone levels and enhancing male sexual characteristics.
On 18 November 2025, when notified of the case, the athlete was provisionally suspended with immediate effect.¹
The ITA issued the decision on behalf of the IWF in accordance with article 8.3.3 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules.² The period of ineligibility is effective from 18 November 2025 until 17 November 2029. In addition, all the athlete’s competitive individual results from 15 October 2025 until 18 November 2025 have been disqualified.
Parties with a right of appeal may challenge the decision before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in accordance with article 13.2.3 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
¹ The information about the provisional suspension was publicly disclosed by the ITA shortly after its imposition: https://ita.sport/news/the-ita-notifies-weightlifter-mr-bozhidar-dimitrov-andreev-of-an-apparent-anti-doping-rule-violation/.
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 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules and article 8.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
