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Ireland Olympic boxer alleged to have tested positive for banned substance

A member of the Irish Olympic boxing team has been charged with an alleged violation of the country's anti-doping rules.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) confirmed on Thursday that an as yet unnamed member of the team had been provisionally suspended and was awaiting the result of a 'B' sample.

Ireland's Olympic Council said the positive test was not one conducted in Rio.

A statement read: "The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has been notified by Sport Ireland today of an alleged violation of the Irish Anti-doping Rules committed by one of the boxers in our High Performance Unit.

"In following the strict procedures applying to an adverse analytical finding, the athlete in question has been informed and is provisionally suspended. The boxer can request to have  a "B" sample tested but cannot participate in any competition or activity prior to the completion of an investigation under Article 8 of the Irish Anti-doping Rules.

"The Irish Athletic Boxing Association has always maintained a zero tolerance approach to doping and Irish Boxing has been one of the most widely tested sports by the National Anti-Doping Programme over the last number of years.

"IABA's policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every member of the association has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping. We ensure our boxers are available for testing in and out of competition.

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"The Irish Athletic Boxing Association will not be in a position to comment further until all elements of due process associated with the anti-doping programme are completed in this case."

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