On 26 February 2002, shortly after the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, various items were found by a cleaner in a chalet in Midway, Utah, which was occupied by the Austrian cross-country and biathlon coach along with his wife. It was subsequently determined that the chalet had been frequently visited by members of the Austrian cross-country and biathlon teams. The material discovered by the cleaner included vials and ampoules, various phosphate and sodium salts, vitamins and amino acids and transfusion equipment, including 3 blood bags (with blood residue), a blood transfusion device, multiple infusion sets (with blood in the IV lines), butterfly needles, syringes and used needles.
After an investigation, the IOC sanctioned the Austrian team coach, the team chiropractor, and two Austrian athletes.
The IOC also issued a strong warning to the Austrian Olympic Committee (Österreichisches Olympisches Comité, ÖOC) for its lack of vigilance and supervision which was also found to have facilitated the anti-doping rule violations committed by the athletes and support staff.
On the night of 18 February 2006, the Italian police discovered numerous materials in the accommodation of several Austrian athletes and support staff which evidenced the possession of prohibited methods and substances.
On 10 April 2007 The IOC notified the ÖOC that the IOC Disciplinary Commission would conduct a hearing on 1 May 2007.
The ÖOC was also informed that it was suspected of having committed the following anti-doping rule violation:
Administration or attempted administration of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method to any athlete, or assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, covering up or any other type of complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation or any attempted violation, pursuant to Article 2.8 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules.
Pursuant to the recommendations made by the IOC Disciplinary Commission, the IOC Executive Board has disqualified and declared ineligible for all future Olympic Games the following athletes on 25 April 2007:
- Roland Diethart (cross-country);
- Johannes Eder (cross-country);
- Jürgen Pinter (cross-country);
- Martin Tauber (cross-country);
- Wolfgang Perner (biathlon); and
- Wolfgang Rottmann (biathlon).
The IOC Disciplinary Commission notes that the ÖOC clearly failed to implement appropriate organizational changes in the aftermath of the Salt Lake City “Blood Bag Affair” in an effort to avoid similar violations being committed during the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
Therefore having considered the evidence in this case, the IOC Disciplinary Commission concludes that the ÖOC has breached its obligations under the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and applicable anti-doping regulations.
On 23 May 2007 The IOC Executive Board, as recommended by the IOC Disciplinary Commission, decides:
1.) The National Olympic Committee of Austria is suspended from receiving or applying for any grants or subsidies, whether direct or indirect, from the IOC in the amount of one million United States Dollars (US$ 1,000,000.-).
2.) The National Olympic Committee of Austria is ordered to finalise its investigations into this matter and its internal organisation and to demonstrate to the IOC Executive Board no later than 30 June 2008 the results of its investigation and the organisational changes that have been implemented.
3.) The National Olympic Committee of Austria is ordered to ensure that the terms of all related decisions are fully implemented, particularly in relation to the noneligibility of certain persons for future Olympic Games.
4.) The file is referred to the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) and the International Biathlon Union so that they may consider whether any action.
