The International Testing Agency (ITA), leading an anti-doping program for World Triathlon, reports that Iraqi triathlete Baqer Idrees has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for the prohibited substances prednisone and prednisolone.

The ITA reports that triathlete Baqer Idrees has agreed¹ to the consequences imposed for his anti-doping rule violation (“ADRV”).

The athlete provided a sample on 11 November 2023 during the 2023 Asia Triathlon Sprint Championships held in Al-Khobar (Saudi Arabia) which yielded an adverse analytical finding² (AAF) for prednisone and prednisolone.

Prednisone and prednisolone are prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List in the category of S9. Glucocorticoids. These substances are prohibited in-competition only and are classified as specified substances. Glucocorticoids can enhance performance by reducing inflammation in the body and/or treating injuries or asthma.

The athlete did not challenge the ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA, namely a period of ineligibility of two years from 8 September 2025 until 7 September 2027 and disqualification of competitive results from 11 November 2023 onwards.

The relevant stakeholders, namely the World Anti-Doping Agency and the National Olympic Committee of Iraq, have a right to appeal the consequences imposed before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The ITA will not comment further on this case.