WADA okays Asif's ban
The global anti-doping body Saturday endorsed a one-year ban placed on Pakistan's Mohammad Asif, saying it will not appeal against the punishment.
Asif, 26, tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone during the opening season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year.
A doping tribunal of the league last month ruled that Asif violated the anti-doping codes and banned him for one year effective from September 22, 2008 to September 21, 2009.
There was speculation that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) might ask for a stiffer penalty but its spokesman told AFP that it would not appeal.
"Under the Indian league rules, WADA has no right of appeal in first instance. The league rules give WADA a right of appeal in second instance," he said in an email message.
The IPL is recognised by the International Cricket Council which follows WADA doping rules.
"In this particular case, given that the parties allowed to appeal in first instance (the player and the IPL) chose not to appeal the initial decision within the deadline set forth, WADA could not pursue the matter further."
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