The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today unanimously decided to declare permanently ineligible six athletes from the Austrian biathlon and cross-country skiing teams who competed at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games (see full details below). This decision excludes them from taking part in any future Olympic Games in any accredited capacity – be that as an athlete, coach, official, etc.

The EB approved the recommendations of the Disciplinary Commission (DC) set up by the IOC in February 2006 and composed of Dr Thomas Bach (chairman), Denis Oswald and Sergey Bubka.

Based on the report provided by the Italian authorities earlier this year, the DC made a thorough inquiry into violations of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules during the Games and proposed a series of strong sanctions. The severity of the sanctions is motivated by the fact that these cases go further than straightforward possession of prohibited substances and methods and are clear instances where a network, including athletes, colluded to manipulate blood and to engage into doping practices.

The fight against doping is an ongoing top priority for the IOC. Over the last years, the IOC has been driving a zero tolerance policy, activating this with stringent means at the three past Olympic Games - Salt Lake City 2002, Athens 2004 and Turin 2006. Today's decisions show that the IOC will not tolerate any anti-doping violations and that concerted efforts between governments and the world of sport, acting in their respective roles to combat doping in sport, are paying off.

The DC will continue its inquiry and is due to hold a second series of hearings next month.

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)