MONACO -- Track and field's anti-doping unit has confirmed that one of its sample collectors tipped off Asbel Kiprop about the supposedly surprise out-of-competition test that subsequently caught the 2008 Olympic 1,500-meter champion with the banned blood-boosting hormone EPO in his system.
The Athletics Integrity Unit said Friday that the doping control officer's actions were "extremely disappointing."
Its statement did not address Kiprop's allegations that the officer also asked for -- and got -- money from him during the test in Kenya in November. It said the IAAF's disciplinary tribunal will determine whether the sample collector's tip-off violated anti-doping rules and rendered the test invalid.
The AIU said three-time world champion Kiprop tested positive for EPO. Kiprop insists he is not guilty of doping.