In September 2019 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Kenyan Athlete Albert Kibichii Rop for his 4 whereabouts filing failures and missed tests between October 2018 and July 2019. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and the case was referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal.
The Athlete already had provided his explanations in his previous submissions for his filing failures and missed tests. After notification in September 2019 the Athlete denied that he had committed the anti-doping rule violation. However in January 2020 the Athlete admitted the violation and accepted the sanction proposed by World Athletics.
Nevertheless after a hearing and written submission between te parties the Disciplinary Tribunal had to settle on 6 March 2020 outstanding issues regarding the commencement of the period of ineligibility and regarding the Athlete’s contribution to the legal costs incurred in this case.
Considering the Athlete had admitted the violation and accepted the consequences the AIU decides on 26 March 2020 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 24 September 2019.
