In November 2021 the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Malaysian tennis player Elsa Wan after her A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance Pseudoephedrine.
After notification the Athlete gave a prompt admission, waived her right for a hearing and accepted the decision rendered by the ITF.
The Athlete denied the intentional use of the substance and explained with medical evidence that she suffered from an allergy and had used Nurofen Cold & Flu tablets. This product contained Pseudoephedrine and was purchased over-the-counter in a pharmacy. She had used the product the morning prior to the competion and had mentioned this product on the Doping Control Form.
The Athlete (17) asserted that she was unaware that Nurofen contained Pseudoephedrine and only had used it as treatment for her allergy. She had limited international competition experience and had not yet received any anti-doping education, nor her small support network.
Based on the evidence the ITF accepts that the Athlete had demonstrated that the violation was not intentional and how the substance had entered her system. The ITF considers the Athlete's conduct in this case and deems that she acted with No Significant Fault or Negligence. Finally the ITF regards that there had been delays in the proceeding not attributed to the Athlete.
Therefore the ITF decides on 8 April 2022 to impose an 18 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on 9 March 2022.
