The International Testing Agency (ITA), on behalf of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), have reported that Ukrainian athlete Ivan Pasych has been sanctioned with a 4-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for the prohibited substance meldonium.
Pasych was suspended following an incompetition control on 30 September 2022 during the 2022 IMMAF European Championships, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy.
Meldonium is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List as S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators. It is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is classified as a non-specified substance. Meldonium may enhance sports performance by improving endurance and recovery through increased oxygen uptake and energy metabolism.
The sanction was issued by the ITA on behalf of IMMAF in accordance with article 8.3.3 of the IMMAF anti-doping rules (and equivalent provision in the World Anti-Doping Code). The period of ineligibility is effective from 21 May 2025 until 20 May 2029 and the athlete’s results have been disqualified from 30 September 2022 onwards.
Parties with a right of appeal may challenge the decision before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with Article 13.2 of the IMMAF anti-doping rules.
