The Maltese Herald exclusively reveals the names of the 5 athletes that have been found to breach doping regulations in past years. The same athletes are currently serving doping bans imposed by the National Doping Disciplinary Panel now integrated into the Authority for Integration in Maltese Sport.
These are the athletes and the decision by the National Doping Disciplinary Panel:
Nathan Attard: Rugby
Found guilty of having the substance Carboxy-THC in his system
Nathan Attard has been found in violation of the 2021 Anti-Doping Regulations [Article 3(1)(a)], as a prohibited substance, its metabolites, or markers were detected in his in-competition urine sample (Sample A) collected on February 5, 2022, during a competitive event.
In accordance with Article 10(2)(b) of the Anti-Doping Regulations 2021, the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel is imposing a two-year suspension on Nathan Attard, rendering him ineligible to participate in any sports activities, effective immediately.
Justin Farrugia: Rugby
Found guilty of having the substance Oxymetholone in his system. Farrugia was also found guilty of the use or abuse of a prohibited substance as well as the use of a prohibited method.
The NDDP imposed a three-year ban as follows:
Violation of Prohibition on Participation During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension
1. Under Anti-Doping Regulations Article 10(14)(c):
“If an Athlete or other individual declared Ineligible violates the prohibition on participation during their period of Ineligibility (as outlined in paragraph (a)), the results of such participation will be disqualified. Additionally, a new period of Ineligibility, equal in length to the original, will be added to the end of the initial Ineligibility period. This new period of Ineligibility–or even a reprimand with no additional period–may be adjusted based on the Athlete or individual’s degree of fault and other relevant circumstances of the case. Determinations regarding a violation of this prohibition, as well as any adjustments, are made by the Anti-Doping Organization responsible for the initial Results Management leading to the Ineligibility. This decision is subject to appeal under Regulation 13.”
Mark Schranz: Tennis
Found guilty of having the substance Carboxy-THC in his system.
The AIMS imposed a two year ban as follows:
Mr. Mark Schranz has been found in violation of the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) as outlined in Regulation 2(1) of the Schedule of LN 104 under the Laws of Malta.
Accordingly, a period of ineligibility of two years is imposed on the athlete, in line with Regulation 10(2)(b) of the Schedule of LN 104. This ineligibility period is effective from the date of the provisional suspension, January 8, 2024, as stipulated by Regulation 10(13)(b) of the same schedule.
Charlton Abela: Rowing
Found guilty of a repeat offence and of having the substance Drostanalone in his system. An eight year ban was imposed due to this being a repeat offence.
Decision Summary: Charlton Abela – Anti-Doping Violation
4.1 Charlton Abela has violated the 2015 Anti-Doping Regulations [Art. 3(2)(a) & (b)] due to the detection of a prohibited substance or its metabolites in his urine sample, collected in-competition on September 8, 2020.
4.2 This marks Abela’s second anti-doping violation. The Panel references its prior decision from March 24, 2016, when the athlete was first found in breach of anti-doping regulations following a sample collected on September 8, 2015, resulting in a four-year suspension.
4.3 Pursuant to Articles 11(2)(a) and 11(5)(c) of the 2015 Anti-Doping Regulations, the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel imposes an eight-year suspension on Charlton Abela, effective from October 9, 2020, the date of his provisional suspension.
Rafael Moto Laeceda: Handball
Found guilty of having the substance Carboxy-THC in his system. A ban of two years was imposed.
Considerations
1. The Athlete has voluntarily accepted a Provisional Suspension since June 14, 2024, and, to the knowledge of NADOMALTA/AIMS, has adhered to the terms of this suspension. Therefore, crediting the Athlete for the time served under provisional suspension, the period of Ineligibility shall commence from the date the provisional suspension was imposed (i.e., June 14, 2024).
Conclusion
Based on the above considerations, NADOMALTA/AIMS issues this Decision pursuant to Regulation 8(3)(c) of the Anti-Doping Regulations and determines that:
1. The Athlete has committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under Regulation 2(1) of the Anti-Doping Regulations;
2. A period of ineligibility of two years is imposed as per Regulation 10(2)(b) of the Anti-Doping Regulations, effective from the date of the provisional suspension (i.e., June 14, 2024), in accordance with Regulation 10(13)(b).
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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