The case involves an arbitration decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division (ADD) regarding an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) committed by Askhat Dilmukhamedov, a wrestler from Kazakhstan. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), represented by the International Testing Agency (ITA), filed the case after Dilmukhamedov tested positive for prohibited substances—methasterone and oxymetholone—during an out-of-competition doping control test on June 17, 2021. These substances were classified as non-specified anabolic steroids under the 2021 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. The adverse analytical finding (AAF) was confirmed by a WADA-accredited laboratory in Tokyo on July 12, 2021, and Dilmukhamedov was notified on July 14, 2021. He waived his right to request the analysis of his B-sample and did not challenge the ADRV, which, under Article 2.1.2 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), constituted sufficient proof of the violation.
On August 6, 2021, Dilmukhamedov signed an Acceptance of Consequences Agreement, acknowledging the ADRV and agreeing to the referral of the case to his International Federation, United World Wrestling (UWW), for further sanctions. Since the violation occurred before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Dilmukhamedov did not participate in the Games, no immediate consequences under the IOC ADR applied. However, he waived his right to appeal and consented to the publication of the case details. The ITA filed an application with the CAS ADD on August 26, 2021, to formalize the proceedings. Despite multiple opportunities to respond, Dilmukhamedov did not participate in the arbitration process.
The CAS ADD proceeded under its rules, appointing David Grace QC as the sole arbitrator. Due to Dilmukhamedov’s non-participation, the arbitrator confirmed the ADRV based on the evidence, including the AAF and the athlete’s waiver of his B-sample analysis. The case was concluded with the issuance of the award on December 22, 2021, affirming the ADRV and deferring further sanctions to UWW. The decision underscores the importance of procedural compliance and the consequences of failing to contest doping allegations under anti-doping regulations. The CAS ADD maintained jurisdiction under Article 8.1.1 of the ADR, which the Respondent had agreed to abide by, and the applicable laws included the Olympic Charter and the IOC Anti-Doping Rules for the Tokyo 2020 Games, with Swiss law serving as a fallback.
The Sole Arbitrator concluded that the evidence unequivocally established the ADRV under Article 2.1 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules, as athletes bear strict liability for any prohibited substances found in their samples. The CAS ADD upheld the IOC's request, disqualifying all of Dilmukhamedov’s results from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including forfeiture of medals, diplomas, and prizes. The decision also directed UWW to consider additional sanctions under its own anti-doping rules. The ruling dismissed all other motions and finalized the ADRV determination and its consequences, with the option for an appeal to the CAS Appeals Arbitration Division within 21 days of receiving the final reasoned decision. The case highlights the strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations and the procedural steps taken when an athlete does not contest the findings.