By Victor Kanayo
Shortly after Nigeria’s sprint star, Tobi Amusan’s suspension was lifted ahead of the 2023 World Athletics Championship, Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has vowed to appeal tribunal’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
In its further reaction, AIU via a statement by its Head Brett Clothier expressed disappointment at the panel of disciplinary tribunal set up to look into Amusan’s appeal following a whereabouts failures charge for absolving the Nigerian of any crime.
This decision, according to the AIU, was not what was expected despite the Nigerian’s insistence that she did not commit any anti-doping rule violation.
“AIU will review the reasoning in detail before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the applicable deadline,” Clothier said.
The panel, had via majority decision, found that Amusan has not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period.
AIU was created by World Athletics to manage all integrity issues – both doping and non-doping – for the sport of athletics.
Amusan Delight
Reacting to the ruling, Amusan expressed delight over the Tribunal’s decision adding that she has put the situation behind her and look forward to defending her title in Hungary next week.
She said, “This morning I found out that the Independent Tribunal that heard my case has ruled that | did not violate the whereabouts rules and as a result, | will not be sanctioned & none of my results will be precluded.
“I am thrilled to put this behind me, and I look forward to defending my title at next week’s World Championships. I generally have been & consistently will be an ally of CLEAN SPORT.
“To my Five Fingers; God is the greatest & | genuinely appreciate y’all for the support.”
Amusan’s provisional suspension has now been lifted with immediate effect and she will compete in the World Athletics Championship which will start on Saturday 19 through Sunday 27 August, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary.
