The ITA acknowledges CAS ADD decision to sanction triathlete Hamed Sobouti with 9 months of ineligibility

The matter concerns an anti-doping sample provided by Hamed Sobouti during the 2022 Asia Triathlon Duathlon Cup Tabriz, which after analysis by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, was reported as positive for betamethasone and dexamethasone, two specified prohibited substances under the WADA prohibited list.

Betamethasone and dexamethasone are prohibited in-competition only and are classified as Glucocorticoids (S9 category of the WADA prohibited list). Glucocorticoids can enhance performance by reducing inflammation in the body and/or treating injuries or asthma.

The ITA, leading an independent anti-doping program on behalf of World Triathlon, pursued the results management of the case and referred the matter to CAS ADD for adjudication.

On 24 February 2025, and further to a hearing process during which the ITA represented World Triathlon, CAS ADD found that the athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation for the presence of the two prohibited substances in his sample in accordance with article 2.1 of the World Triathlon anti-doping rules.

As a result, CAS ADD imposed a 9-month period of ineligibility on Hamed Sobouti from 21 October 2022 until 20 July 2023. Additionally, all results obtained by the athlete from 21 October 2022 until 20 July 2023 are disqualified with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

The parties’ respective deadlines to appeal the CAS ADD decision before the CAS appeal division have now expired; the CAS ADD decision is considered as final.

The ITA will not comment further on this case.