Walker four-year ban came after positive presence of Meldonium
April 30, 2020
Ray Walker ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
The GAA and Sport Ireland have confirmed the details surrounding Ray Walker's four-year suspension for an anti-doping offence.
The suspension came after a test during training on February 18 with Walker informed of the presence of a prohibited substance, Meldonium on March 30.
After the ban was imposed with Walker waiving his right to a hearing, the Carlow player filed an appeal and sought a reduced ban. This appeal was subsequently withdrawn yesterday (29 April) leading to the announcement from the GAA and Sport Ireland this morning.
The GPA also released a statement following the release from the GAA and Sport Ireland indicating that they will continue to offer support to the player.
Gaelic Athletic Association and Sport Ireland statement:
The Gaelic Athletic Association and Sport Ireland today jointly announced that Raymond Walker has committed an anti-doping rule violation.
Mr Walker has accepted a period of ineligibility of 4 years commencing on February 18, 2020.
In a doping control test at a training session on February 18, 2020, he provided a sample, which tested positive for the presence of a prohibited substance, Meldonium. Mr Walker was notified of the positive test on March 30.
On April 1, Mr Walker accepted the imposition of a 4 year ban and waived his right to a hearing.
On the April 8, Sport Ireland issued its reasoned decision to Mr Walker pursuant to Article 7.6.4, imposing the 4 year ban.
The reasoned decision referred to the right of appeal available to WADA, the GAA and to Mr Walker within 21 days of receipt of this decision by these parties.
On April 21, Mr Walker filed an appeal of the reasoned decision and sought a reduced ban.
From media reports on Wednesday, April 28, it appeared that Mr Walker was again accepting a 4 year ban without the need for a hearing and yesterday morning, April 29, Mr Walker confirmed to Sport Ireland that he had withdrawn his appeal.
Gaelic Players Association statement:
The Gaelic Players Association were notified of an alleged anti-doping rule violation by Carlow footballer Ray Walker on March 30th and of a provisional 4-year suspension for the player.
The player decided to represent himself and responded directly to Sport Ireland.
We will continue to offer the player personal support and we appeal for his privacy at this time.
The GPA is fully supportive of the Sport Ireland anti-doping programme to promote clean sport and protect the integrity of our games. We will continue to work to ensure the GAA deliver robust education to all inter-county players and to support the Sport Ireland National Testing Programme.
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