The International Ski Federation (FIS) Council met on Monday in Portoroz, Slovenia, to confirm the sanction to be applied to Alain Baxter, following his positive drug test recorded after the men's Slalom event at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games 2002.

Baxter placed in bronze medal position initially. However, the IOC has since stripped him of his medal and has disqualified him from the event.

Baxter is currently appealing this decision though the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. A hearing is likely for July. Should Baxter win this case, the FIS sanction would be reviewed.

"Unintentional Use"

FIS Council agreed that the alleged prohibited substance found in Baxter's sample had been taken unintentionally - an offence which carries a three month ban for a first offence - and ruled that Baxter will be banned from further FIS competition until 15 December 2002, crucially forcing him to miss out on the opening World Cup event of the season.

John Clark, who has been coordinating the Baxter appeal while Alain attempts to focus on preparations for the season ahead, stated, "While an "unintentional use" ruling, at this stage, is welcomed, I am disappointed that the six week Southern Hemisphere season has been ignored in the FIS considerations, effectively imposing a ban of four and a half competition months. However, I believe that the case we have submitted to appeal is a strong one and hope both decisions can ultimately be overturned."

Baxter is currently digesting today's news and will decide in the coming weeks what, if any further action is to be taken.

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