The case involves Bulgarian volleyball player Vladimir Nikolov, who was found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) during the 2012 London Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) filed the case after a re-analysis of Nikolov's urine sample in 2020 revealed the presence of methyltestosterone, a prohibited substance. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division (ADD) acted as the first-instance authority, ruling on the matter. While Nikolov admitted the presence of the substance, he denied intentional use, attributing it to possible contamination from team-provided supplements. However, he could not verify this claim as the supplements had been disposed of. The IOC did not contest his late filing of an Answer and agreed to resolve the case based on written submissions without a hearing.
The Sole Arbitrator, Ken Lalo, confirmed that CAS ADD had jurisdiction over the case, which proceeded under the IOC Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) and the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC). The arbitrator emphasized the strict liability principle, under which athletes are responsible for any prohibited substances in their bodies, regardless of intent or negligence. The presence of methyltestosterone metabolites in both the A and B samples established the ADRV under Article 2.1.1 of the WADC. Nikolov's arguments—including the minimal quantity of the substance and its lack of performance-enhancing effects—were deemed insufficient to rebut the laboratory's findings or the violation itself.
Sanctions included the disqualification of Nikolov's individual results and the forfeiture of his Olympic diploma and pin from the 2012 Games. Since he was the only team member implicated, no team sanctions were imposed, though future violations by other team members could lead to further consequences. The decision highlighted that fault or negligence are relevant only when determining sanctions, not the violation itself. The ruling could be appealed within 21 days, and any additional sanctions beyond those related to the London Olympics would fall under the jurisdiction of the International Volleyball Federation. The case underscores the rigorous enforcement of anti-doping regulations and the challenges athletes face in proving unintentional use, particularly in team sports.