The ITA asserts an ADRV against boxer Alexander Povetkin based on WADA investigations, McLaren report and LIMS data

The ITA reports that it has asserted an ADRV against Alexander Povetkin under Article 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method) of the IBA Anti-Doping Rules (IBA ADR).

The assertion is based on investigations conducted by WADA’s Intelligence and Investigation Department (WADA I&I) and by Professor Richard McLaren into allegations of systemic doping practices in Russian sport as well as Moscow Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) data retrieved by WADA I&I over time. The evidence was provided by WADA I&I to the ITA for further assessment. In particular, these investigations uncovered LIMS data indicative of the presence of the banned substance ostarine in a sample provided by the athlete in 2014. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) commonly used by athletes due to its muscle-building and performance-enhancing effects.

The boxer has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended until the resolution of the matter in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and the IBA Anti-Doping Rules. During the period of provisional suspension, he cannot participate in any capacity in any competition or any other activity either at the international or national level organised by any signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code.

Pursuant to the IBA’s delegation of its anti-doping program to the ITA, the prosecution of the case is being handled entirely by the ITA. Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments made.