Britain’s Olympic drugs ban to be tested in court case

The matter will be taken before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in order to secure clarification over the BOA’s position of a lifetime ban for drug cheats.

“(Yesterday) the BOA board unanimously agreed to inform WADA that it will vigorously defend the interests of clean athletes by seeking a hearing before CAS to address the enforceability of its selection policy,” said Moynihan, the BOA’s chairman.

The BOA enforce a lifetime ban for doping offenders and are the only national Olympic committee to adopt this position.

WADA wrote to the BOA in October requesting the matter be taken before CAS, a suggestion that was ignored. A second letter arrived from WADA in the last 48 hours outlining a legal position that is strongly disputed by BOA, who have now agreed to seek a judgment from CAS.

“The BOA wants to ensure that the athletes’ voice is heard and as such the BOA has set out to vigorously defend any challenge to the selection policy, as it is a clear expression of the will and commitment of British Olympic athletes,” said Moynihan.

“That challenge is now before the BOA. The BOA has received correspondence from the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) which confirms that it believes the BOA eligibility by-law is non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code. Of course, the BOA strongly disagrees.

“In light of this development, at a meeting (yesterday) the BOA Board of Directors agreed to inform WADA that it will vigorously defend the interests of clean athletes by seeking a hearing before the CAS to address the enforceability of its selection policy, and bring clarity and closure to this issue.”

Should CAS rule against the BOA, it will clear a path for Dwain Chambers to compete at London 2012.

Under the BOA’s current position Chambers is unable to compete at the Olympics having served a two-year suspension for testing positive for steroids in 2003.

Cyclist David Millar and shot putter Carl Myerscough could also profit if WADA are successful.

“If we win it draws a clear line in the sand for the bylaw and our selection policy for 2012,” said Moynihan.

“If we lose then equally the message to all athletes will be very clear.

“The three athletes who might be eligible for selection would be likely to compete.

“That’s a very clear consequence of us losing.”