Related case:
NADO Flanders 2019 Disciplinary Commission 20196671
June 25, 2019
On 25 June 2019 the NADO Flanders Disciplinary Commission decided to impose a fine and a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete after a search in the Athlete’s residence revealed the presence of the prohibited substances Boldenone, Clomifene, Letrozole, Testosterone and Trenbolone.
Hereafter in July 2019 the Athlete appealed the Decision of 25 June 2019 with the NADO Flanders Disciplinary Council.
The Athlete had admitted the use and possession of the substances and disputed the grounds for imposing a fine and a sanction claiming he bears No Significant Fault or Negligence.
He stated that he was unaware that the substances were prohibited in Belgium and that he only had purchased 'legal anabolic steroids'. They were free and available on the internet while there wasn't any disclaimer that the substances were illegal in Belgium.
The Disciplinary Council holds that under the Anti-Doping Rules in Flanders anabolic steroids are explicitly prohibited and reason for the Athlete to act with utmost caution regarding unsubstantiated 'legal anabolic steroids' offered on a website.
The Council establish that the Athlete made at least 13 purchases between 2014 and 2015 for a total of 6.179,65 euro and that he recklessly and repeatedly had used these substances. It concludes that he clearly acted intentionally and with Significant Fault or Negligence.
Therefore the NADO Flanders Disciplinary Council decides on 13 September 2019 to dismiss the Athlete's appeal and to uphold the Decision of the Disciplinary Commission of 25 June 2019.
Fees and expenses for this Council shall be borne partially by the Athlete.
