Statement from ICF Executive following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision to overturn the one year suspension for the Belarusian Men's Canoe Sprint Athletes. 

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) will continue to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to doping violations and will pursue necessary avenues to maintain the sports integrity. Whilst the ICF Executive respects the processes taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) the ruling to overturn the imposed one-year suspension of the Belorussian men’s team comes as a disappointment.

The ICF Executive remains committed to protecting the best interests of canoeing and its athletes and will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure fair and clean competition.
 
The ICF Executive's decision to ban the team was based on evidence gained after the French Police confiscated various substances and medical materials following a raid at the Belorussian Canoe Sprint training camp in Le Temple-sur-Lot, France last April.

The French criminal case against the Belorussian team is ongoing and the ICF will now wait for their ruling before deciding on its next course of action.

Following the CAS ruling the Belarus team will now be eligible to compete at all international competitions. 

View CAS Media release