In February 2016 the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Russian Athlete after his sample (provided on 9 January 2016) tested positive for the prohibited substance Meldonium. After notification a provisional suspension was ordere. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the FIVB Disciplinary Panel.
The Athlete admitted that he had used prescribed meldonum for his heart condition until 13 December 2015 without intention to enhance his sport performance. He argued that the substance was still in his system in January 2016 and that he had no fault or negligence in this case considering the low concentration found in his sample (300 ng/mL) and in accordance with the criteria in the WADA Notice to issue a No Fault or Negligence in samples taken before 1 March 2016.
Considering the statements and the WADA Notice the Panel accepts that there is no other evidence suggesting that the Athlete had used Meldonium after 1 January 2016.
Therefore the FIVB Disciplinary Panel decides on 28 April 2016:
1.) The athlete Mr. Alexander Markin (Russia) has committed an anti-doping rule violation (presence of the prohibited substance “S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (Meldonium))” according to Article 2.1 of the FIVB MADR.
2.) No period of ineligibility shall be imposed on the athlete Mr. Alexander Markin due to the determination that he had No Fault or Negligence pursuant to Article 10.4 FIVB MADR.
3.) The Russian national team’s results from the 2016 European Olympic Qualification competition stand.
4.) This decision may be appealed in accordance with the attached Notice of Appeals.
