February 28, 2013   (Lausanne, Switzerland) – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed its decision–expected today – on the appeal of Andrus Veerpalu reports Estonian Public Broadcasting. A decision is now expected by March 25.

Veerpalu, a 42-year-old cross-country skier, tested positive for human growth hormone (HGH) in 2011 and was handed a three-year ban by the International Ski Federation (FIS). But he appealed, claiming the test was “not trustworthy.” Veerpalu testified before CAS last summer, and a judgment in the case has been repeatedly delayed.

This saga has so far precipitated the resignation of the head of Estonia’s ski association, Jüri Järv, and of forced leave of the coach of Estonia’s national team, Mati Alaver.

Veerpalu won gold in the 15km classic race at both the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games and the 2006 Turin Games as well as scoring many World Cup wins. He is considered to be Estonia’s most successful male cross-county skier.

ERR News