It was announced on Wednesday that the world championship 5000m silver medalist Mo Katir has been provisionally suspended as a result of a whereabouts violation.
Katir, who represents Spain, is appealing the suspension.
“Today, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has informed me of a provisional suspension for what they consider three whereabouts failures in the last 12 months (whereabouts) During the disciplinary process, the AIU recorded my suspension as provisional,” he said in an official statement. “I do not agree with the decision adopted by the AIU, I am preparing to appeal it to the corresponding authorities to be able to compete during the processing of the procedure.
I am going to proceed to defend myself in the appropriate instances, as it cannot be otherwise. Therefore, I request that the right to the presumption of my innocence be respected until the corresponding procedure is processed and concluded.”
Whereabouts violations occur when an athlete misses three drug tests within a 12 month time-period, or it occurs when the athlete fails to give accurate information on their location.
Katir competed earlier this season in France, winning the mile in a world leading time of 3:51.91.
