Related case:
FINA 2016 FINA vs Vitalii Melnikov
November 8, 2016
In March 2014 the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Russian Athlete Vitalii Melnikov after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance
Erythropoietin (EPO).
After notification the Athlete submitted that he would not file a statement in his defence and that he waived his right to be heard. He made a request for substantial assistance in order to find out if a third party was involved.
The Panel finds that despite being provided the opportunity to give information and benefit from a defence in which he could have pleaded substantial assistance in discovering or establishing anti-doping rule violations, Mr. Melnikov did not seize the possibility.
Therefore the FINA Doping Panel decides on 13 March 2015 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection, i.e. on 12 December 2013.
