Belarus’ forward kicked out of world hockey championships for failed drugs test :: Charter'97 :: News

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced on Wednesday that Belarus’ center forward Timofei Filin had tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone.

The 20-year-old player, who was on Belarus’ roster in their opening game against Slovakia on April 30, was disqualified from the ongoing world championships, but the team will suffer no further penalty, the IIHF said.

"It is unfortunate that this young man has tested positive," IIHF President Rene Fasel said. "However, it is important that we maintain an even playing field for all of our participants."

The federation said that both the A and B samples showed the steroid, known as a muscle-building substance, present at more than 250 times the normal level.

Belarus’ head coach Glen Hanlon reportedly picked the Dinamo Minsk player for the roster after praising his athleticism.

Mr. Filin also faces the possibility of an extended ban from international competition, depending on the results of a hearing with IIHF officials.

The team will be kicked out of the championships if another Belarus’ player fails a drugs test.

The Belarusian hockey team has a history of doping scandals. Forward Vasily Pankov tested positive for a banned substance at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City but narrowly avoided disqualification.