LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The Court of Arbitration for Sport will issue a verdict next week on a doping rule that currently bars American runner LaShawn Merritt from defending his 400-meter title at the London Olympics.
The U.S. Olympic Committee is challenging the IOC rule, which prevents any athlete who receives a doping ban of more than six months from competing at the next Olympics.
A hearing on the case was held last month. CAS had initially said it would issue a ruling by the end of this week, but now says the decision will be announced Oct. 6.
The USOC contends the rule amounts to a second penalty for a single offense. The IOC insists it is an eligibility issue.
Merritt, the 400 champion at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, completed a 21-month doping ban in July.
