WADA to investigate IWF doping allegations

McLaren's investigation determined that the IWF's former president Tamas Ajan used the tyranny of cash to maintain control and the primary sources of this money came from doping fines paid personally to him.

Published : Jun 16, 2020 17:57 IST

Tamas Ajan, who served 24 years as IWF general secretary and 20 as president until resigning in April, has denied any wrongdoing.
Tamas Ajan, who served 24 years as IWF general secretary and 20 as president until resigning in April, has denied any wrongdoing.
lightbox-info

Tamas Ajan, who served 24 years as IWF general secretary and 20 as president until resigning in April, has denied any wrongdoing.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has begun an investigation into doping violations after an inquiry led by Richard McLaren uncovered 40 positive adverse analytical findings hidden in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) records.

In a scathing report released earlier this month, McLaren and his team found that the IWF had been plagued by decades of corruption and also discovered the doping infractions.

These include gold and silver medallists who have not had their samples dealt with.

“WADA is appalled by the behavior exposed by the McLaren Investigation Team,” WADA president Witold Banka said in a statement. “The agency condemns all interference with anti-doping procedures with the utmost vigor.

READ:

“These revelations are incredibly upsetting for clean athletes, for WADA and for all advocates of clean sport.”

McLaren's investigation determined that the IWF's former president Tamas Ajan used the tyranny of cash to maintain control and the primary sources of this money came from doping fines paid personally to him.

The 81-year-old Hungarian had been at the IWF since the mid 70s, serving first as secretary general and then as president from 2000 until his resignation in April.

WADA said the information it received covers the period from 2009-2014 and its own investigation would give priority to those cases that are close to the statute of limitations.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment