The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) agency has decided to appeal the National Anti-Doping Panel’s (NADP) decision to lift Conor Benn’s suspension, a suspension that was initially imposed by UKAD itself. This follows UKAD’s earlier indication that they might take this step, based on their “results management process.” In a recent statement, UKAD clarified their intention to appeal, citing their adherence to the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
The United Kingdom Anti-Doping Agency’s (UKAD) statement reads: “UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) can today confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of a decision handed down by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel regarding anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Conor Benn.
“As confirmed previously in UKAD’s statement on 28 July 2023, Mr Benn is no longer subject to a provisional suspension. The appeal process will now be followed in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
“UKAD issues this statement in accordance with Article 14.3.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code and is not able to make any further public disclosures at this time.”
In response to the NADP’s decision, which had lifted Benn’s suspension, UKAD’s appeal aims to challenge the correctness of this decision. The Daily Mail reported that the NADP hearing did not thoroughly address the scientific aspects related to clomiphene, a substance found in Benn’s system multiple times. UKAD’s appeal may leverage this oversight as part of their argument.
This move by UKAD also contradicts Benn’s claim of being cleared by UKAD, as their decision to appeal suggests that there were unresolved issues or concerns regarding the NADP’s decision as we ourselves expressed in a recent article. If Benn had indeed been cleared, UKAD would likely not have pursued an appeal.
Additionally, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has also been reported to appeal the NADP’s decision in conjunction with UKAD.
The appeal process is typically kept private for various reasons, but further updates on this matter will be provided as soon as available.
