IAAF Statement on Greek Athletes and Coach

Monte Carlo – The IAAF has now considered the written explanations received from the Greek athletes, Mr Konstantinos Kenteris and Ms Ekatherina Thanou and from the Greek coach, Mr Christos Tzekos, in response to doping charges filed against them by the IAAF on 2 December 2004.

In each case, the IAAF has concluded that the explanation provided is unacceptable in response to the charges made. Accordingly, the IAAF has notified the Greek Federation earlier this afternoon that both athletes and the coach are provisionally suspended pending the resolution of their cases. As provided under IAAF Rules, a hearing for each individual will now be convened before the relevant disciplinary tribunal of the Greek Federation to determine whether doping violations have been committed. There will be a final right of appeal from the decision of the Greek Federation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Now that a disciplinary process has commenced, the IAAF will make no further comment in this matter until appropriate.

For more details contact:

Nick Davies
IAAF Communications Director
Tel: +377 93 10 88 88
Fax: +377 93 25 53 84