KUALA LUMPUR: Former national body building champion, Sazali Samad now has to pay the price for his controversial actions in joining the China Sports Show Fearless Bodybuilding Physique & Bikini Competition in Shanghai recently as his ban has now been extended by another four years.
The Malaysian Body Building Federation’s (MBBF) disciplinary and anti-doping committee meted out the added punishment, which means that the 10-time Mr Universe, who’s initial ban was supposed to end on September 22 next year, will now be banned until September 22, 2023.
“After hearing the explanation given by Mr Sazali Samad during the disciplinary and anti-doping committee’s session, the committee have decided to add to his ban with a punishment of an added four years sentence, which prevents him from taking part in any championship and body building activities at all levels as soon as his initial ban ends on September 22, 2019.
“This means that with the added sentence, therefore his ban will only end on September 22, 2023,” according to a media statement issued by MBBF’s disciplinary and anti-doping committee here earlier today.
In related developments, the statement also informed that the committee summoned Sazali on Wednesday with the intention of hearing an explanation following his participation in the competition in Shanghai which took place from May 25 to 28.
This is because Sazali took part while still serving his initial ban of four years which is from September 22, 2015 to September 22, 2019 for testing positive for a type of anabolic steroid which is a banned substance during a dope test that was carried out on September 1, 2015.
“Referring to 10.12.1 of the World Anti-Doping Code, it states that an athlete who is serving a ban is not allowed to participate in any competition or championship, and activities that are organised by the Signatory Code or any party linked to the said code.
“Apart from this, he is also not allowed to take part in programmes organised using government funds (other than approved anti-doping, rehabilitation and awareness programmes),” the statement added.
The statement also mentioned that the World Anti-Doping Code clearly states that an athlete, who is serving a ban or suspension is not allowed to participate in any event, show or tournament that is organised by a body, association or joint effort by the Signatory Code regardless if the athlete is taking part independently or representing a club, association or country.
When attending the committee’s session yesterday, Sazali also informed that he does not plan to be under any state nor national body building association anymore and will go his own way.