Football Player Receives Sanction

Sport Integrity Australia today acknowledged the decision of Football Australia to impose a ban of two-years and nine-months on athlete Damian Tsekenis for the Presence, Use, Use and/or Attempted Use, and Possession of Prohibited Substances.

Mr Tsekenis, who played for the Central Coast Mariners, returned Adverse Analytical Findings from an out-of-competition doping control test on 23 March 2022.

His sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, which detected the presence of Prohibited Substances Ostarine and its metabolite Hydroxy-ostarine, and Ibutamoren.

It was determined that on and/or before 23 March 2022 Mr Tsekenis used Prohibited Substances, namely Ostarine and Ibutamoren.

In addition, it was also determined:

On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 31 October 2021, Mr Tsekenis used and/or attempted to use a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 21 March 2022, Mr Tsekenis used and/or attempted to use a Prohibited Substance, namely RAD140.
On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 31 October 2021, he possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 21 March 2022, he possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely RAD140.

Mr Tsekenis is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 21 December 2024.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE

Ostarine, LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and RAD140 are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) and are prohibited at all times under the S1 Anabolic Agent category of the WADA Prohibited List.

SARMs are promoted as selective non-steroidal anabolic agents. They are claimed to be substances that induce muscle (and bone) growth without the side effects associated with steroid use. However, the medium and long-term health impacts are unknown due to a lack of medium and long-term clinical trials.

It should be noted that a number of SARMs have associated health-risks, particularly for the heart and liver.

Sport Integrity Australia is committed to protecting the right of clean athletes to fair competition. If you are aware of any suspicious doping activity, you can report it anonymously via the Sport Integrity Australia website or call us on 1300 027 232.

Sport Integrity Australia recommends you check all of your substances before you take them on the Sport Integrity app. For more information visit: Sport Integrity Australia website.

Friday, 10 November 2023