The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Panel is almost complete to decide the case of Jannik Sinner, who was found positive for Clostebol. According to the defense, the banned substance was allegedly taken accidentally through a massage performed by physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, who had used a healing agent containing the steroid, supplied by trainer Umberto Ferrara, to treat a hand injury. The ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency), after reviewing the case through an independent tribunal, had declared Sinner innocent, finding neither fault nor malice. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to the TAS, requesting further examination of the case. The arbitration panel already has two appointed judges: Ken Lalo, chosen by WADA, an Israeli judge with dual U.S. citizenship, known for his intransigence on doping cases; Jeffrey Benz, appointed by Sinner's team, an American arbitrator known for reducing Simona Halep's disqualification from 4 years to 9 months in a similar case. Still to be appointed is the third judge, who will be chosen by the Lausanne Sports Tribunal. The decision will be crucial for the Italian tennis player's future as he waits to see whether the involuntary hiring charge will be upheld or challenged.
|