low graphics version | feedback | help
| Front Page World UK UK Politics Business Sci/Tech Health Education |
| Sport |
|
Football Rugby League Rugby Union Cricket Formula 1 Tennis Golf |
| Entertainment Talking Point In Depth AudioVideo |
Christie will not fight dope charge
Linford Christie: Nothing left to prove |
British sprint legend Linford Christie will not defend himself when the International Amateur Athletic Federation challenges his acquittal on doping charges by UK Athletics.
He says that he has nothing left to prove and considers that fighting the IAAF is pointless now that he is 39-years-old and no longer competes.
Christie has moved on to a career as a children's television presenter and coach for up-and-coming athletes.
 If he wants to continue coaching he may find it awkward  |
| David Moorcroft, UK Athletics |
He denied the charge and was acquitted in September by UK Athletics, the governing body of British athletics.
But the IAAF challenged the decision and a further hearing will be held to determine whether or not Christie's acquittal will stand.
IAAF spokesman Giorgio Reineri said: "This dispute is not between the IAAF and Christie but between us and UK Athletics because we believe it reached an erroneous decision."
Meanwhile, UK Athletics chief executive David Moorcroft asked Christie to consider challenging the IAAF move.
"He has to consider the consequences. We would urge that on him," he said.
"OK, if he is finished with the sport it doesn't matter as much to him, but if he wants to continue coaching he may find it awkward."
Christie made public his decision on the same day European champion sprinter Doug Walker announced he would be taking legal action against both the British and international athletics bodies over similar charges of nandrolone abuse.
|
Search BBC News Online |
|
|
 Advanced search options | |
| |
 | |
 | |
| |
 | BBC RADIO NEWS |
| |
| |
 | BBC ONE TV NEWS |
| |
| |
| WORLD NEWS SUMMARY |
| |
| |
| |
| |
 | PROGRAMMES GUIDE |
|
|
See also: |
|
 |
|
 |
24 Nov 99 | Sport |
|
Walker sues athletics chiefs over drug test |
| |
|
|
19 Nov 99 | Sport |
|
Christie could get two-year ban |
| |
|
|
06 Sep 99 | Sport |
|
Christie cleared on dope charge |
| |
|
|
06 Sep 99 | Sport |
|
Christie: Legend under fire |
| |
Links to other Sport stories are at the foot of the page.
~RS~a~RS~international~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~37~RS~)