WADA Statement regarding Italian Tribunal decision on Michele Ferrari and entourage

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is satisfied with the decision taken on 3 April by the Criminal Section of the Tribunal of Bolzano, Italy, to hand down criminal sanctions to three individuals implicated in doping-related crimes in the sport of biathlon. WADA became a civil party to the procedure and sought damages against the three individuals for their doping practices; and, as a result, the Agency  was awarded  the amount of EUR 15,000 (~USD 16,000).

In delivering its decision, the Tribunal found Mr. Michele Ferrari (a physician and trainer), Mr. Daniel Taschler (a biathlete) and Mr. Gottlieb Taschler (a former coach and International Biathlon Union Vice President) guilty of doping-related crimes. Specifically, Michele Ferrari was determined to have provided doping assistance to Daniel Taschler; Gottlieb Taschler was found guilty of recommending that his son, Daniel, use Michele Ferrari for doping; whilst, Daniel Taschler was found guilty of using doping substances during the 2010-2011 biathlon season.

• Michele Ferrari was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine of EUR 4,500; and, he is banned from working as a physician or trainer for 18 months.
• Gottlieb Taschler was handed a suspended prison sentence of one-year; and, was ordered to pay a fine of EUR 4,000; he is also banned for life from working in any capacity for Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (CONI – the Italian National Anti-Doping Organization), National Federations or any other CONI-recognized organization.
• Daniel Taschler, was handed a suspended prison sentence of nine months and ordered to pay a fine of EUR 3,600.

All three individuals were ordered to jointly pay WADA a sum of EUR 15,000 for moral damages. The individuals are also collectively required to pay WADA EUR 9,500 for legal expenses; and, additionally, a further 15% of the EUR 9,500 to refund general expenses.

WADA notes that appeal proceedings are underway; and, as such, will make no further comments at this time. 

                                                                                                                      -ENDS-

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