The Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Player after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance finasteride.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) notified the Player and ordered a provisional suspension. The Player stated that he suffered from hair loss and therefore used medication on a regular basis, prescribed to him by his doctor.
On 5 December 2005 the FIBA Commission concluded the Athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation.
Due to no significant fault of negligence the FIBA Commission decided to impose a 12 month period of ineligibility, of which 6 months are suspended, starting immediately and end on 21 September 2006.
Hereafter the Athlete and WADA appealed the FIBA Commission Decision of 5 December 2006 with the FIBA Appeals Commission.
The Athlete did not dispute the positive test or the anti-doping rule violation. The Athlete invoked the principle of proportionality due to the imposed sanction is too severe.
WADA requested the Appeal Commission to set aside the FIBA Commission Decision and to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete due to the Athlete failed to research the ingredients of the medication before using.
The Sole Arbitrator of the FIBA Appeals Commission in this case concludes that the FIBA Decision of 5 December 2005 is lawful and decides to dismiss the appeals of the Athlete and WADA.
