In September 2017 the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Brazil tennis player Thomaz Bellucci after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance Hydrochlorothiazide. After notification the Athlete gave a prompt admission, waived his right to be heard and accepted the sanction proposed by the ITF.
The Athlete argued that there were grounds for imposing a reduced sanction. He explained with evidence that the positive test result was caused by his use of vitamin supplements preparations that, unknow to him, were contaminated with the prohibited substance.
The Athlete had used prescribed supplements produced by two pharmacies in Brazil. Laboratory analysis of the vitamin supplement capsules confirmed that these capsules contained varying levels of Hydrochlorothiazide as a result of contamination in the pharmacy. The Athlete acknowledged that he failed to mention his supplements on the Doping Control Form.
Considering the evidence in this case the ITF accepts the Athletes explanation and agreed that a reduced sanction should be imposed on the basis of No Significant Fault or Negligence.
The ITF considers also the Athlete’s prompt admission and the delays in the results mananagement that were not attributable to him. Therefore the ITF decides on 4 January 2018 to impose a 5 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete back-dated starting on 1 September 2017.
