In December 2018 the English Football Association (FA) has reported 2 anti-doping rule violations against the player Joshua Yorwerth for his use of Cocaine and for his evasion or refusal / failure to submit to sample collection during an out of competition doping test at the Athlete’s home. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the FA Regulatory Commission.
The Athlete admitted both violations and requested for a reduced sanction. He stated that he has a problem with alcohol that triggered his use of Cocaine. His use of Cocaine in the weekend was the reason for not answering the door on Tuesday thereafter when the doping officials arrived to test him. He offered his apology for his conduct and stated that he had already been counselled and had consulted a psychologist for his problem.
The Panel finds that the violations were admitted and considers the Athlete’s degree of fault in this case. The Panel deems that when tested positive for Cocaine the Athlete would face a maximum suspension of 3 months. Due to his evasion of the test he would now face a career-wrecking suspension of 4 years.
Therefore the FA Regulatory Commission decides on 19 February 2019 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete for his evasion of the doping test starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. 3 October 2018. Further a warning is imposed on the Athlete for his use of Cocaine and payment ordered of a fee and the costs incurred by the Regulatory Commission.
