TAS 2007/A/1368 Union Cycliste International c. Michele Scarponi & Federazione Cyclistica Italiana
CAS 2007/A/1368 UCI vs Michele Scarponi & Federazione Ciclistica Italiana
- Cyclisme
- Dopage
- Justification de la réduction d’une suspension du fait d’une aide substantielle en matière de lutte contre le dopage fournie par le licencié
- Point de départ de la durée de la suspension
- Tentative d'usage d'une substance ou d’une méthode interdite considérée comme une infraction en soi
1. L’objectif fondamental de l’article 266 RAD étant l’incitation des athlètes et de leur entourage à collaborer activement à la lutte antidopage, il permet la réduction de la période de suspension en cas d’aide substantielle fournie par le licencié à partir des paramètres suivants: l’objectif d’un moyen de lutte contre le dopage; l’utilisation rigoureuse de ce moyen de lutte contre le dopage; la nécessité de disposer d’une aide substantielle; le principe d’un pouvoir discrétionnaire. La réduction elle-même est non seulement facultative, mais sa durée dépend également de la libre appréciation du TAS au vu des circonstances du cas d’espèce.
2. La période d’inactivité du coureur consécutive à une interdiction de participer à des compétitions et à une auto-suspension est prise en compte pour le calcul de la suspension.
3. Les art. 2.2 CMA et 15.2 RAD règlent le cas de la tentative d'usage d'une substance ou méthode interdite et le qualifie comme une infraction en soi. La sanction pour la tentative et l'acte consommé est ainsi la même. Les deux dispositions précisent en outre que le succès ou l'échec de l'action n'est pas déterminant. L’absence d’amélioration des performances sportives n'est donc pas déterminante.
In 2004 the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Investigating magistrate no. 31 of Madrid opened an investigation that has come to be known as "Operation Puerto".
Pursuant to this investigation, on 23 May 2006 searches were carried out of two Madrid apartments belonging to Spanish physician Dr. Eufeniiano Fuentes. Documents and other materials were seized from the apartments, including evidence of possible doping offences by athletes.
Following investigations conducted by the Guardia Civil the UCI was unsuccesful in opening disciplinary proceedings in Spain against the Athlete. However the International Cycling Union (UCI) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) were succesful in having access to the entire criminal investigation file.
In April 2007 the Ufficio di Procura Antidoping (UPA), the CONI Anti-Doping Prosecution Office received from the Guardia Civil the investigation files. Thereupon it opened disciplinary proceedings against Italian riders involved in Operation Puerto.
Ultimately the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) decided on 13 July to impose an 18 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete for the use of prohibited substances and methods. Hereafter in August 2007 the UCI appealed the FCI Decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In this appeal the Panel assessed and addressed the following issues:
- is the reduced sanction impose on the Athlete justified because of the substantial assistance he had provided?
- on which date is the commencement of the sanction calculated?
- can the Athlete receive a more reduced sanction for his cessation of his doping attempt?
Considering the circumstances the Panel finds that the reduced sanction was sufficient and adequate. A sanction of 21 months must be imposed on the Athlete from 13 July 2007 and he shall be credited for the 254 days of suspension he already had served. Further the Panel deems that there are no grounds to grant the Athlete a further 6 month reduction of the sanction.
Therefore the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decides on 25 March 2008 to impose a 21 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on 13 July 2007.
