Report: Criminal doping probe into Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson and trainer dropped in Italy

CP34421529
Jamaica\'s Asafa Powell, right, runs in a men\'s round one heat of the 100m at the World Athletics Championships at Bird\'s Nest stadium in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. A criminal doping investigation into Jamaican sprinters Powell and Sherone Simpson plus their trainer has reportedly been dropped in Italy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/David J. Phillip

UDINE, Italy – A criminal doping investigation into Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson plus their trainer has reportedly been dropped in Italy.

The ANSA news agency says a preliminary trial judge made the decision Wednesday at the request of prosecutors in Udine.

Powell, Simpson and Canadian trainer Christopher Xuereb were placed under criminal investigation two years ago. Police confiscated drugs in a hotel raid where the trio was training in the northeastern town of Lignano Sabbiadoro in July, 2013.

Udine police chief Antonio Pisapia told The Associated Press that the only questionable substance found in the drugs was the stimulant oxilofrine, which is banned only during competition.

The sprinters tested positive for oxilofrine at the Jamaican championships in 2013 and served brief bans.

Calls to the Udine prosecutor’s office went unanswered.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles