Wrestler Zurabi Datunashvili receives five-year ban for anti-doping rule violations

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced sanctions against Serbia’s representative, two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Zurabi Datunashvili. The CAS Anti-Doping Division determined that the renowned Greco-Roman wrestler committed serious anti-doping rule violations, resulting in a five-year suspension.

According to the ruling, all results achieved by Datunashvili between 27 May 2021 and 11 April 2023 have been annulled. The case stemmed from findings by the International Testing Agency (ITA), which conducted an investigation in April 2023.

Earlier, the athlete had been provisionally suspended for using a prohibited method and attempting to interfere with a doping-control procedure. The case was then referred to the CAS Anti-Doping Division, which confirmed the presence of violations.

Following the announcement of the sanctions, Datunashvili filed an appeal against part of the decision. As a result, the redistribution of medals and results from the affected competitions has been postponed until the CAS Appeals Division issues its final verdict.

United World Wrestling (UWW) expressed support for the ITA’s efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of clean sport.

Zurabi Datunashvili was born on 18 June 1991 in Tbilisi. Over the course of his career, he became a three-time European champion and one of the most decorated wrestlers of his generation.