Kenya's middle-distance runner, Emmanuel Kiprop Kipruto, has suffered a major setback after the World Athletics Representatives Panel suspended him from participating in athletics.
According to the global agency, the suspension stems from Kipruto’s non-compliance with an order issued by the panel following a contractual dispute with a Japanese club.
"The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in force until Kipruto complies fully with the Panel’s order," World Athletics announced on Saturday, December 20.
While delivering the decision, the panel ordered the suspension of Kipruto from participating in athletics until he provides copies of all contractual documentation.
The athlete was also ordered to furnish the panel with a full breakdown of his earnings at the Japanese club and reimburse expenses paid on his behalf by his representative.
According to the agency, Kiprop's failure to reimburse the expenses within the time limit set out by the panel would result in a continued automatic suspension.
World Athletics, however, noted that the suspension would be lifted only upon confirmation that the requirements set out in the panel’s decision have been satisfied in full.
The middle-distance runner has competed across several athletics competitions, holding a personal best in the 1500 meters of 3 minutes 38.38 seconds, recorded in Nairobi on January 5, 2024.
In May this year, he ran 5000 metres in Naboeka under 13:06.71 and 10,000 metres under a record 27:29.10 in Hachioji, in a competition held on November 23, 2024.
Kiprop joins the long list of Kenyan athletes who faced suspension this year. Among them is Ruth Chepngetich, who was provisionally suspended in July this year after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide.
Others are Brian Kipsang and Roncer Kipkorir Konga, who were suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in May and June over allegations of doping.
Another is Benard Kibet Koech, who was also provisionally suspended by AIU due to a use of a prohibited substance.
