KUALA LUMPUR: Disgraced bodybuilder Sazali Samad, who is currently serving a four-year doping sanction, will likely face further punishment for competing at the China Sport Show Fearless Bodybuilding Physique & Bikini Championships in Shanghai recently.
The 10-time Mr Universe champion is expected to be hauled up by the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF) soon.
National Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) director Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz said: “According to the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes, who are serving suspensions, can neither compete, coach nor get involved in activities associated to sports until they have served out their bans.
“MBBF have the right to take Sazali to task as he has violated the anti-doping code by competing in Shanghai.
“His suspension could be extended pending MBBF’s investigation. If MBBF is not happy with Sazali’s explanation, the federation can take action."
On Sept 22, 2015, MBBF handed Sazali a four-year suspension after he failed a doping test by Adamas before the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan.
The 51-year-old’s suspension ends in September next year.
The Johor-born, a nine-time Mr Asia, won his Mr Universe titles in Melaka (2000 and 2011), Moscow (2004), Ostrava (2006), Jeju (2007), Dubai (2009), Varanasi (2010), Bangkok (2012), Budaors (2013) and Mumbai (2014).
On Friday, Sazali claimed that he was invited by the organisers to compete in Shanghai where he won the 75kg event.
“MBBF will have to give Sazali the avenue to explain as it is his right,” Ramlan added.
keyword: bodybuilding, Sazali Samad, suspension