Twenty-five-year-old Mohamed Katir of Spain has accepted a two-year ban from competition for missing three doping tests within 12 months. Missing three tests is considered equal to a positive test.

According to an Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) press release, Katir signed off on his failure and accepted the two-year ban. The suspension runs from February 7, 2024, to February. 6, 2026.

Katir is in the Registered Testing Pool (RPT), which is designated by national anti-doping organizations. The organizations must designate a pool of athletes who are subject to the highest level of anti-doping rules.

“This is a crucial requirement to which all RTP athletes must adhere. Without accurate Whereabouts information, anti-doping organizations cannot properly execute no-notice, Out-of-Competition testing that is the key to catching anyone who is doping and trying to gain an unfair advantage,” explained Brett Clothier head of the AIU.

“In the lead-up to Paris 2024, to ensure a level playing field, the AIU will execute a comprehensive and intelligence-led Out-of-Competition testing programme on elite athletes worldwide. Whereabouts compliance will be an essential element of this. Elite athletes on the AIU’s RTP are well aware of the importance of Whereabouts requirements and receive ample education about it. There is no excuse for committing three Whereabouts Failures in a 12 month period.”

Katir holds three national records. Two are in the 1500m, 3000m indoors or “short track,” events. He also holds the national and European record in the 5000m event. At the Monaco Diamond League meet in July 2023, he bettered Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s European record of 12:48.45 with his 12:45.01 performance.

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