ITIA Press Release, September 14, 2023

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has published the full decision of the independent tribunal in the case of Simona Halep.

This outlines the process and details of the hearing held on 28 and 29 June 2023. The document has been redacted where necessary to protect personal health information. The independent tribunal’s final decision includes:

·       A conclusion that the player’s the Anti-Doping Rule Violation regarding roxadustat was intentional.

·       A conclusion that the panel was “comfortably satisfied” the player had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation as a result of their Athlete Biological Passport data.

·      A finding that standard information was shared with the experts who are part of WADA’s independent Athlete Biological Passport Unit and the experts’ knowledge of the player’s identity did not impact on their view of the Athlete Biological Passport data.

·       A statement from the panel that “Ms Halep is certainly not responsible for any delay in the hearing and determination of this case. However, despite the Player’s repeated protestations to the contrary, neither is the ITIA nor anyone else involved.”

·       The panel’s determination that “aggravating circumstances” did not apply in this case and its decision was to sanction the player for four years, backdated from the start of their Provisional Suspension (7 October 2022).

Appeals of the decision under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme are made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and all details and timings will be decided by CAS.  

To access the full decision, click here.