The International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA) has reported an anti-doping violation against the Egyptian Athlete Mohamed Abdel Ghaffar Ahmed after his 2 samples, provided in June and July 2002, tested positive for the prohibited substance nandrolone.
FISA notified the Athlete and a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete was not heard for the FISA Commission of Enquiry but submitted a statement in his defence to FISA in the form of a response to the “athlete’s questionnaire”.
The Athlete stated he suffered from severe pain in his leg in March and April 2002. In April 2002 the Athlete went to the pharmacist in his village who administered and injection of Deca Durabolin to relieve the pain.
From the files and from the submitted statement, the FISA Executive Committee concludes that the Athletes had no intention to enhance sport performance and acted negligently. The Committee finds that the Athlete has a poor level of eductation. He can neither read nor write, and lives in a region where it is difficult to get qualified medical assistance.
Considering the circumstances the FISA Executive Committee decides to impose a 18 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 16 August 2002.
