IAAF considers dope option

2008-08-21 13:51

Beijing - The track and field's world governing body, the IAAF, is exploring the option of banning athletes who test positive for doping from competing in the next world championship.

IAAF president Lamine Diack of Senegal said that his group should follow the International Olympic Committee and keep dope cheats out who serve a two-year ban for the next global championship showdown.

Diack said: "It may well be that we will have to act.

"The IOC said that whoever tests positive will not compete at the next Olympics. Maybe we will do that for the next world championships.

"We need to say, 'If you test positive, you will not compete at the next world championships.' We're looking into it with our legal department."

While the Olympics come only every four years, the worlds come every two, so a two-year ban will ensure at least one missed IAAF world event. Wiping out another would equate to an Olympiad's absence.

- AFP