AFN celebrates CAS’ clearance of Amusan

Officials of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) are still celebrating the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) dismissal of the appeals filed by World Athletics (WA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the decision issued on August 17, 2023 (the Challenged Decision) by the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal (WADT) in relation to the hurdler, Tobi Amusan.

CAS, at the weekend, dismissed the bodies’ challenge of the decision that Amusan did not violate Rule 2.4 of the World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules (WA ADR) and that no period of ineligibility should be imposed on the athlete.

Amusan was initially charged with committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under Rule 2.4 WA ADR following three alleged Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period.

In their respective appeal to CAS, WA and WADA had sought the imposition of a two-year period of ineligibility. The CAS panel held a hearing on January 19, 2024 where they deliberated on the case and issued its decision Friday, dismissing both appeals.

CAS panel unanimously acknowledged that Amusan committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test, alleged by WA and WADA, which would have been the third Whereabouts Failure committed within a 12-month period.

The CAS panel concluded that Amusan did not commit an ADRV and that the challenged decision should be confirmed.Speaking with The Guardian, AFN Technical Director and board member, Samuel Onikeku said: “We are happy over Amusan’ s clearance. At last, this issue has been put to rest, and Tobi will now concentrate on her business on the track.”

Another AFN board member, U.S.-based Performance Director of the federation, Victor Okorie said: “I knew from the beginning that Amusan did not commit any offence. But this final clearance is a thing of joy to all of us. Now, she can concentrate on the Paris Olympics and other events before her.”