In June 2021 the International Testing Agency (ITA) published a report on Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) following a series of allegations of misconduct by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The report provided an overview of the findings of the investigation into approximately 146 unresolved cases over the 2009-2019 period.
The report notably uncovered mishandling and impropriety on the part of certain IWF officials in relation to its anti-doping program. As a consequence of these discoveries, the ITA had – among other follow-up actions – asserted ADRVs against former IWF President Tamas Ajan, IWF Vice-President Nicolae Vlad, and Hassan Akkus, President of the European Weightlifting Confederation.
On 23 June 2021 the ITA, on behalf of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), reported anti-doping rule violations against Mr Tamás Aján for Tampering and Complicity regarding:
- the anti-doping rule violations committed by the Athlete Roxana Cocos;
- the anti-doping rule violations committed by several Azerbaijani weightlifters; and
- unsanctioned anti-doping rule violations committed by IWF athletes prior to the year 2014.
Hereafter the case was referred to the CAS Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD) for a Sole Arbitrator first instance procedure.
The IWF contended that in the light of Mr Aján’s status and high official position held within the IWF and involvement in the IWF’s anti-doping matters and given the particularly deceptive and obstructing conduct displayed by Mr Aján over a decade, the appropriate sanction in the present case shall be a lifetime period of Ineligibility.
Mr Tamás Ajan denied the violations and asserted that CAS ADD lacks juridiction and statute of limitations. Further he disputed the legality and admissibility on the filed evidence.
The Sole Arbitrator assessed and addressed the evidence and issues raised by the Parties. Preliminary the Sole Arbitrator deems that:
- the present case against Tamás Aján is not time-bared;
- the evidence in this case is lawfully collected and can be used in this procedure.
Ultimately the Sole Arbitrator determines that Mr Tamás Aján had tampered with the Doping Control Process and was complicit in the anti-doping rule violations committed by:
- the Athlete Roxana Cocos;
- the Azerbaijani weightlifters; and
- IWF athletes prior to the year 2014.
Therefore the Court of Arbitration for Sport decides on 16 June 2022 that:
1.) The request for arbitration filed by the International Testing Agency on 21 December 2021, acting on delegation from the International Weightlifting Federation, against Mr Tamás Aján is upheld.
2.) Mr Tamás Aján is found to have committed violations of Articles 2.5 and 2.8 of the 2009 International Weightlifting Anti-Doping Rules, Articles 2.5 and 2.8 of the 2012 International Weightlifting Anti-Doping Rules and Articles 2.5 and 2.9 of the 2015 International Weightlifting Anti-Doping Rules.
3.) A lifetime Ineligibility is imposed on Mr Tamas Aján starting on the date of this Award.
4.) (…).
5.) (…).
6.) All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.
