VCB still in limbo ... IAAF yet to confirm/reject JAAA's 'public warning'

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The International Association of Athletics Federa-tions' (IAAF) Doping Review Board has still not decided on whether it should reject or approve the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's (JAAA) Disciplinary Panel's recommendation that Veronica Campbell-Brown should receive a public warning for a doping violation.

The Jamaican sprinting standout had returned a positive test for the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide at the May 4 Jamaica International Invitational and was brought before the panel at a hearing, which started on September 2 and lasted for almost a week.

On October 2, the panel, which was headed by former Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe and also included president of the Medical Association of Jamaica Dr Aggrey Irons as well as attorney Lincoln Eatmon, recommended that the 31 year-old sprinter receive a public warning, which, if ratified, would clear her for competition.

"The disciplinary committee has issued a ruling thatVeronica Campbell-Brown has committed an anti doping violation contrary to IAAF Rule 32.2a.They have recommended that a reprimand without any period of ineligibi-lity would be appropriate. All relevant parties involved have been duly informed," read a JAAA release.

The IAAF Doping Review Board was expected to assess the case and make a decision within 20 days of the JAAA Disciplinary Panel's recommendation.

Lodge an appeal

Importantly, international anti-doping rules state that the IAAF has 45 days in which to confirm or appeal the JAAA Disciplinary Panel's recommendation. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) then has a further 21 days to lodge an appeal of its own.

However, The Gleaner was informed by well-placed IAAF sources that despite the passing of the 45 days stipulation, a meeting by the Doping Review Board just ahead of the November 16 IAAF Gala and Awards in Monaco, the sport's governing body is yet to arrive at a decision.

" ... The case is ongoing," said the source, who added that the deadlines do not apply.

Campbell-Brown, who has won 16 medals at the Olympic and World Championships level, has maintained her innocence throughout and has vowed to clear her name.