Athletics Kenya suspends two agents over doping allegations

Athletics Kenya lived up to its promise to suspend Rosa Association and Volare Sports for six months pending investigations into doping allegations.

AK President Isaiah Kiplagat announced the suspension of the two athletes management firms after a lengthy executive meeting, a move that could jeopardise the careers of famous elite athletes under the Italian and Dutch camps.

Kiplagat, who later stepped aside as the AK boss, said the association will appoint a manager who will handle affected athletes in the IAAF and Diamond Leagues before investigations are completed.

“We shall involve the IAAF, Kenya Police, AK and Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya in the investigations,” said Kiplagat. “The situation is bad on the ground, and we just can’t keep quiet.”

AK accused the two firms of being behind the rise of doping cases in the country which has seen close to 40 long distance runners testing positive to banned substances over the last three years.

The most famous case was that of three times Boston and two times Chicago marathon champion, Rita Jeptoo of Rosa, who was banned for two years in January for EPO use.

Also to be banned for two years is the 2011 World 200m champion Amantle Montsho from Botswana, who is in the Rosa camp.

She failed a dope test after winning the 2014 Commonwealth Games 200m title. Matthew Kisorio, who was banned for two years before completing his term last year was also in the Rosa camp.

Rosa Association is owned by Italian Gabriele Rosa. His son Federico also works for the firm.