Kenyan runner Asbel Kiprop said Thursday he would not defend himself against accusations that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
The three-time World champion and 2008 Olympic 1,500m gold medallist, faces a potentially career-ending four-year ban after testing positive for the blood-boosting drug EPO in an out-of-competition test last November.
He had vowed to clear his name before an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) disciplinary panel in London on June 28.
While continuing to insist on his innocence, Kiprop on Thursday said he would not fight the charges, blaming lack of financial and other support.
“There is no point in putting up the fight to clear my name without the support of my managers, my federation and the government behind me,” Kiprop said.
“I am totally innocent. It’s unjust.”
The 28-year-old runner said he could not afford the legal costs of defending himself and feared the damage to his credibility by the positive test could not be undone.
“I am financially weak to challenge my accuser, the IAAF,” Kiprop said.
“I have always worked hard to bring out the best in me, for the sport and myself. I’m left, not to admit doping, but to fall, a victim of my accusers.”
