Hugh Robertson dismayed by CAS drug call

 
1 May 2012

Sports and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson revealed his disappointment at Britain's lifetime ban for drug cheats being overturned.

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) means sprinter Dwain Chambers and cyclist David Millar will now be eligible for selection for Team GB for the London Games.

CAS ruled the British Olympic Association's bylaw as "non-compliant" with the World Anti-Doping Agency's code.

Robertson called for tougher sanctions for doping offences generally, saying: "I supported the BOA's position, as our national Olympic committee, in having the autonomy to set its own eligibility criteria for Team GB athletes.

"I accept this ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport but it is very disappointing.

"Moving forward, I fully endorse UK Anti-Doping's first submission to WADA as part of its review of the World Anti-Doping Code.

"I want the code to be further strengthened and I would particularly like to see tougher sanctions for proven drug cheats.

"The UK takes its responsibilities in the fight against doping in sport seriously. As we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, we are promoting this message through the international 'Win Clean' campaign."

After the decision, Chambers' lawyer has launched a stinging attack on the BOA.

Chambers, who was banned for two years in 2004, was prevented from competing at the Beijing Olympics and his lawyer Siza Agha attacked the BOA's position as "blinkered".

Agha said: "In my view as hosts for the 2012 Olympics, this delicate and emotive issue required international diplomacy, foresight and responsibility.

"What we have received has been a crude and defiant display fuelled by misguided statements such as 'We have standards and the rest of the world doesn't'.

"It has in my view been an exposure of colonial arrogance that even the most extreme and blinkered should have realised could only serve to marginalise British opinion on the international stage.

"In complete contrast WADA have in my view been the model of professionalism and dignity in the face of the most extreme provocation.

"Lessons should be learned by their example."

BOA chairman Lord Moynihan promised that Chambers and Millar would not be treated differently to any other athlete.

Moynihan stated: "This will be seen as a hollow victory for WADA."

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