‘India hasn’t appealed on Irfan, Babu ban’

I have not received an appeal, and such an appeal would go through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. There is a clear policy, there was a breach of that policy (by India) and this isn’t an isolated case . DAVID GREVEMBERG, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive

GOLDCOAST: The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on Saturday said India has not appealed against the sending back of its two athletes from the ongoing Games here for violating the ‘No Needle Policy’.

Addressing the media in his daily briefing, CGF Chief executive David Grevemberg said the suspension of race walker K T irfan and triple jumper V Rakesh Babu has not been challenged till now despite the Indian contingent’s claims of pushing for an appeal. “I have not received an appeal, and such an appeal would go through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Regardless of the needle, there is a no needle policy.

“There is a clear policy, there was a breach of that policy and this isn’t an isolated case (involving India), as we all know,” Grevemberg said, when asked about further developments in the matter.

A source in the Indian contingent added the country has indeed not yet appealed and is weighing its legal options before taking such a step.

“The recommendation is for an appeal but we have to seek proper legal opinion before going ahead with it. It can’t be rushed otherwise it will fall apart,” an official said.

Irfan and Babu were sent home last night after their explanation for having syringe in their room was declared “evasive and unreliable” by the CGF court.

The Athletics Federation of India has formed a panel to investigate the matter and promised to take severe action against the two if found guilty after the investigation.

Irfan and Babu’s CWG campaign had ended before they were asked to leave the Games. While Irfan had finished 13th in the 20km race walk, Babu had injured his knee during the triple jump qualifiers to be ruled out of the finals.