Rugby League International Federation Statement

Decision of the RLIF Anti-Doping Tribunal in the cases of RLIF v Vadim Fedchuk (RUS)  and RLIF v Mikhail Burlutskiy (RUS)

On 4 November 2016 Mr Fedchuk and Mr Burlutskiy were subject to In-Competition tests by UK Anti-Doping following the Rugby League World Cup qualifying match in which they had represented  Russia in the match versus Italy. Both athletes returned Adverse Analytical Findings for prohibited substances and were made subject by RLIF to provisional suspensions pending decisions of the RLIF Anti-Doping Tribunal.

In the case of Mr Burlutskiy the player tested positive for Methylhexaneamine, a specified stimulant under S6 of the WADA prohibited list. Mr Burlutskiy submitted that the finding was a result of taking the sports supplement               ‘Mesomorph’ and whilst admitting the offence provided a statement that this was not intentional. A Panel convened by Sport Resolutions heard the case and ruled that the period of ineligibility to be applied is two years. Mr Burlutskiy’s sanction will run from 4 November 2016 until midnight 3 November 2018.

In the case of Mr Fedchuk the player tested positive for the presence of Drostanolone (and metabolite), 19-norandrosterone (metabolite of nandrolone), clenbuterol and chorionic gonadotrophin. A Panel convened by Sport Resolutions heard the case and as the player did not establish that his Anti-Doping Rule Violation was not intentional, the period of ineligibility to be applied is four years. Mr Fedchuk’s  sanction will run from 6 January 2017 until midnight 5 January 2021.