Olympic and three-time 1,500 metres world champion Asbel Kiprop was on Saturday handed a four-year ban by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal finally ruled on the protracted doping case where Kiprop is said to have tested positive for using erythropoietin, which boosts the production of red blood cells and encourages oxygen flow in the body.
"A period of ineligibility of four years is imposed upon the Athlete, commencing on the date of the Tribunal award.
"The period of provisional suspension imposed on the athlete from February 2018 until the date of the panel award shall be credited against the total period of ineligibility, provided that it has been effectively served by the Athlete," a report by the athletics body read in part.
According to reports, the sample was taken in an out-of-competition doping test in late 2017 in Iten, Rift-valley.
Kiprop had denied preliminary results that showed he had actively participated in doping, maintaining his commitment to proving he is a clean athlete.
“I have read the reports linking me to doping. As an athlete, I have been at the forefront of the fight against doping in Kenya, a fight I strongly believe in and support.
“I would not want to ruin all that I have worked for since my first international race in 2007. I hope I can prove that I am a clean athlete in every way possible,” he wrote in a brief statement.
Through his lawyer Katwa Kigen, Kiprop had put a vigorous appeal at the IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal in London.
In June, the celebrated athlete stated that he had quit trying to prove his innocence.
Through a Facebook post, Kiprop seemingly drew the curtains on his illustrious career admitting that he lacked the financial muscle to match his accusers.
"Greetings Ladies and gentlemen, I'm writing to appreciate everyone for their concerns in my case. Those who are accusing me and my legal team.
"I do not have money to meet legal fees and find qualified physicians who meet standards to give their opinion on my sample and discredit any possible unjust reason to why the sample resulted to analytical rEPO finding.
"I'm financially weak to challenge my accuser the IAAF whom I have always worked hard for to bring the best in me for the sport and myself," he wrote.
