USADA announced today that Abdelmounaim Harroufi of Azrou, Morocco, an athlete in the sport of track and field, has received a four-year sanction for his anti-doping rule violations. USADA has jurisdiction to test and investigate international athletes who live, train, or compete in the United States.
In 2015, USADA obtained non-analytical evidence that Harroufi, 39, possessed and used 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR). AICAR is a non-Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Association of Athletics Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
In addition to education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from tips (Play Clean Tip Line) and whistleblowers. During its investigation in this case, USADA received a vial labeled AICAR reportedly belonging to Harroufi. Subsequent testing confirmed the vial contained AICAR, and Harroufi admitted that he used the prohibited substance, despite it being labeled not for human consumption.
Harroufi’s four-year period of ineligibility began on November 22, 2017, the date his sanction was imposed. As a result of the doping violations, Harroufi’s competitive results obtained on and subsequent to May 1, 2015, the approximate date he admitted to using a prohibited substance, have been disqualified, and any medals, points, and prizes are forfeited.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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