In February, the news came that Robel Fsiha had been tested positive for doping. He was turned off while awaiting investigation.

Today came the message. Fsiha, who won the European gold in cross country in 2019, will be suspended for four years.

- I'm a little surprised that the message came. We have not received any formal decisions. A little surprised that it comes this way via media. Regarding the suspension, I do not have much to comment on. I am assuming that the doping committee has made a correct assessment, says Secretary-General Stefan Olsson to SVT Sport.

How does the decision feel?

- It is a very special situation. Extremely sad for everyone involved. But we have been prepared for this and again we think the anti-doping work is working. Now Robel has to take his punishment and we must state that we should return an EM gold to someone who deserves it better.

- There is still an opportunity to appeal to the Riksidrottsnämnden. But there is nothing I know about at the moment. If the final verdict becomes like this, surely the European gold will also need to be returned.

ARCHIVE: Robel Fsiha wins European gold in cross country (December 8, 2019)

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