IAAF issue statement on Kiprop's 'failed drugs test'

What you need to know:

  • In a new turn of events, the statement from AIU indicated that the action by the DCA constituted a departure from the requirements of the International Standards of Testing and Investigations (ISIT) and have now notified the independent IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal listening to Kiprop’s doping case.

International Association of Athletics Federation’s (IAAF’s) Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) has admitted that one of its Doping Control Assistant (DCA) provided three times World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop with an advanced notice of the doping test.

In a new turn of events, the statement from AIU indicated that the action by the DCA constituted a departure from the requirements of the International Standards of Testing and Investigations (ISIT) and have now notified the independent IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal listening to Kiprop’s doping case.

“This is extremely disappointing and the AIU has submitted to the Tribunal that these actions may constitute departure from the requirements,” said the statement.

The statement however fell short of addressing extortion claims made by Kiprop on Thursday, but confirmed that the 2008 Olympic champion tested positive for blood booster erythropoietin (EPO) in urine sample collected on November 27, last year.

However, the statement said that the advance notice of testing given by the DCA could not reasonably have caused EPO to be present in Kiprop’s sample, and as such, the departure does not invalidate the Adverse Analytical Finding.

“This will ultimately be a matter for the Tribunal to determined,” said the statement.

The AIU statement disclosed that Kiprop was notified of the Adverse Analytical Finding on February 3, 2018. “ Kiprop was informed that the “B” sample analysis had confirmed the Adverse Analytical Finding and was charged with violation of the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules and the matter is currently proceeding before the independent IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal,” said the statement.

The statement also dismissed Kiprop’s allegations of breach of confidentiality and promises for a “reward” of being an IAAF ambassador on anti-doping if he admitted to doping, saying that AIU had fully adhered to all principles throughout the process.

Kiprop said Thursday he had been left "extremely shocked" when informed of the positive test, adding: "I was however very confident the mistake alleging I doped would be noted and I would be cleared. The nightmare has continued.

"I did not dope. I do not labour under the weight of the shame of doping."

The confirmation of the positive test deals a serious blow to Kenyan athletics, with Kiprop one of the biggest names in the country's stellar cast of middle-distance athletes.

Kiprop originally came second in the 1500m final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but was upgraded when Rashid Ramzi tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and was stripped of the gold medal. The Kenyan went on to prove his dominance over the distance with three world titles.

Kenya has been fighting intense criticism of its anti-doping efforts after more than 40 athletes tested positive over the past five years.

Three years ago, Kenya was rated "non-compliant" by WADA before being reinstated prior to the Rio Olympics.