The case involves Romela Aleksander Begaj, an international-level weightlifter from Albania, who appealed against a doping violation decision by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The dispute arose after Begaj tested positive for stanozolol, a prohibited anabolic steroid, during the 2014 World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The sample analysis, conducted by a WADA-accredited laboratory in Cologne, Germany, confirmed the presence of stanozolol metabolites in both her A and B samples. The IWF imposed a provisional suspension and later upheld a two-year ineligibility period after a hearing, rejecting Begaj's argument that the substance entered her system through contaminated meat in Albania.
Begaj, an experienced athlete subject to the principle of strict liability under the IWF Anti-Doping Policy, was held responsible for the prohibited substance in her samples regardless of intent. The IWF Hearing Panel found no evidence supporting her claim of meat contamination, noting the absence of scientific data linking stanozolol to Albanian meat. The panel also dismissed her argument that the low concentration of the substance ruled out performance enhancement, suggesting the levels could have decreased over time.
The case was brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where Begaj challenged the IWF's decision. The CAS panel examined whether the advanced testing method used by the Cologne Laboratory violated equal treatment principles. It concluded that since stanozolol is a non-threshold substance, any detectable concentration constitutes a violation, and laboratories are encouraged to improve detection capabilities under WADA guidelines. The panel upheld the IWF's decision, emphasizing that Begaj failed to prove how the substance entered her body and that the sanction was proportionate.
Begaj argued that the low concentration of stanozolol suggested passive exposure through contaminated food rather than intentional doping. Expert testimony from Prof. Aristidis Tsatsakis supported this claim, citing scientific literature on steroid contamination in Albanian meat. However, the CAS panel found this argument unconvincing, as Begaj provided no concrete evidence of widespread stanozolol contamination in Albania. The panel also noted that statistics from anti-doping controls showed stanozolol violations among weightlifters were rare, further undermining her claim.
The CAS affirmed the two-year ineligibility period, disqualification of her 2014 World Championship results, and forfeiture of medals and prizes. The provisional suspension period was credited, allowing Begaj to return to competition on 1 December 2016. The ruling reinforced the strict liability principle in anti-doping regulations and the expectation that experienced athletes understand their responsibilities under these rules. The CAS dismissed all other motions and prayers for relief, concluding the case with a clear message about the burden of proof on athletes to demonstrate how banned substances entered their systems.