By Daniel Edu
Contrary to earlier reports, World Athletics has denied that Tobi Amusan, the Nigerian athlete, has been cleared of doping allegations and is allowed to defend her title at the upcoming World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Previously, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria had excluded Tobi Amusan’s name from the list of participants for the championship due to an ongoing doping investigation. However, she was later reinstated by the federation, stating that she had been cleared of any wrongdoing.
However, World Athletics clarified in a statement on Sunday that Tobi Amusan has not yet been cleared to compete in the Budapest event. Nicole Jeffery, Head of Communications at World Athletics, stated in the release, “Please be advised, reports that say Tobi Amusan has been cleared to compete in Budapest are wrong. No decision has been made in this case yet. When a decision is made, it will be announced by the Athletics Integrity Unit.”
It’s important to note that Tobi Amusan’s name was included in the entry list for the Budapest Championships, but with a condition that her participation would depend on the outcome of the whereabouts failure charge brought against her by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The AIU has stated that a decision regarding the matter will be made before the World Championships commence.