The ITA acknowledges the decision of CAS confirming the sanction of surfer Vasco Ribeiro

On 13 July 2023, the anti-doping division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS ADD) sanctioned the athlete with 3 years of ineligibility and the disqualification of all results obtained from 17 April 2022.

On 3 August 2023, the athlete filed an appeal before CAS. A hearing took place on 18 January 2024 at the CAS headquarters in which the ITA represented the International Surfing Association (ISA). After hearing the parties and considering the written submissions and evidence, CAS confirmed that the athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation for refusing to submit to sample collection in accordance with Article 2.3 of the ISA Anti-Doping Rules.

CAS confirmed that Vasco Ribeiro should be sanctioned with 3 years of ineligibility, starting 13 July 2023, date of the CAS ADD decision. The disqualification of all results obtained by the athlete from 17 April 2022 (date of the refusal) until 13 July 2023, was also confirmed.

The ITA will not comment further on this case.