The case involves Russian race walker Ivan Noskov, who was found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The violation stemmed from the presence of recombinant erythropoietin (r-EPO), a prohibited substance, in Noskov's urine samples during an out-of-competition test on June 2, 2015. The samples were analyzed by a WADA-accredited laboratory in Cologne, Germany, confirming the adverse finding. Noskov, classified as an International-Level Athlete, was notified of the violation and initially requested an analysis of his B samples but later withdrew this request due to financial constraints, effectively waiving his right to further testing.
The IAAF, having suspended the Russian Athletic Federation (ARAF) due to broader doping scandals, assumed jurisdiction over the case. Noskov was offered a hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but failed to respond within the stipulated deadline. Consequently, the IAAF proceeded directly to CAS under IAAF Rule 38.19. The CAS panel, composed of Prof. Matthew Mitten, Prof. Ulrich Haas, and Mr. Chi Liu, ruled that the case fell under CAS jurisdiction as a first-instance matter due to ARAF's suspension. The panel applied the CAS Appeals Arbitration Procedure, despite the case not being an appeal, in line with IAAF rules.
The panel found that r-EPO, as a non-threshold substance, constituted an anti-doping violation regardless of quantity. Noskov provided no evidence to prove the violation was unintentional or to explain the presence of r-EPO. The panel imposed a four-year period of ineligibility, the standard sanction for a first-time intentional violation under IAAF rules. The decision underscores the strict liability principle in anti-doping regulations, holding athletes accountable for prohibited substances in their systems unless they can demonstrate no fault or negligence.
The case highlights procedural mechanisms when national federations are suspended, allowing international bodies like the IAAF to refer cases directly to CAS. The ruling reaffirms the zero-tolerance approach to doping in international athletics. Noskov's competitive results from June 2, 2015, to July 15, 2015, were disqualified, requiring forfeiture of titles, medals, and prize money. The panel expressed concern over systemic doping among Russian race walkers and ARAF's lack of cooperation in anti-doping proceedings. The decision is final, with no further appeals permitted, emphasizing the serious consequences of anti-doping violations.