IWF bans Malaysia and Thailand weightlifters at Tokyo Olympics

Budapest, April 7: Following hearings and the careful consideration of relevant evidence, the Independent Member Federation Sanctions Panel (IMFSP) has decided to take disciplinary sanctions on the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA) and Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) on Sunday. Both have been banned from sending weightlifters to the Tokyo Olympics.

 

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said in its statement on Saturday that the TAWA has been suspended for three years, while the (MWF) has been given a one-year ban.

 

The statement read, "The Membership status of TAWA is suspended for a period of three years through to 1 April 2023 (TAWA officials are suspended for two years and are not eligible to be appointed to any IWF position so long as TAWA remains suspended.) The three-year suspension of TAWA will be reviewed and may be lifted on or after 7 March 2022 if TAWA can demonstrate it has met pre-defined criteria."

 

It further added, "MWF is suspended from all IWF activities for a period 12 months through to 1 April 2021. The one-year suspension of MWC will be reviewed and may be lifted as early as 1 October 2020 if MWF can demonstrate it has met pre-defined criteria."

 

The Thailand federation had already withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics voluntarily after nine of its weightlifters were caught for doping violations at the 2018 World Championships. The IMFSP said that both the TAWA and MWF were informed of the bans on Wednesday and have 21 days to appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

 

The two countries thus join Egypt in being banned from the Olympics while Colombia and Romania await their decisions.

 

The IWF has also ensured that it has a zero-tolerance policy on doping and fully supports disciplinary action being taken to ensure a level playing field for all athletes. However, the IWF remains committed to working with all Member Federations to provide comprehensive anti-doping education which promotes attitudinal and cultural change.