In February 2007 the Hellenic Basketball Federation has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Player after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance marihuana (cannabis).
After notification the Player stated he had smoked marihuana the night before the game and that he had no intention to enhance his performance. The Hellenic Basketball Federation suspended the Player immediately and decided a two year period of ineligibility.
In July 2007 The Greek Supreme Council for the Resolution of Sports Disputed reduced this sanction to one year. These decisions were not communicated to FIBA.
In November 2007 the Player appealed against this sanction to the FIBA and filed a statement in his defence. The Player argued that a period of ineligibility of three months is the appropriate sanction in his case and that this period has already been served by him.
The FIBA Disciplinary Panel decides not to impose a sanction for purposes of FIBA competitions because the Hellenic Federation failed to inform the FIBA of the sanctions imposed in Greece, therefore FIBA could not impose an own FIBA sanction. Also FIBA has no authority to reduce the sanction imposed in Greece for Greek purposes.
