French anti-doping officials conducted searches at the Paris Olympic Village as part of an investigation focusing on Algerian athletics coach Amar Benida and Djamel Sedjati, who won a bronze medal in the 800m event.
According to a report by French sports newspaper L’EQUIPE, Benida is the primary subject of the investigation.
Sedjati secured third place in the Olympic 800m final held at Stade de France on Saturday night.
In a press conference for the medalists following the race, Sedjati said, “Nothing (important) happened. These are things that athletes can face. Thank God it was only a small inconvenience. I was quickly able to get back to normal.”
Neither the Paris prosecutor’s office nor the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) has issued any statements regarding the search, which took place on Thursday.
The Algerian Olympic Committee, in a statement to Al24News, expressed “deep indignation” over what it described as “malicious attempts” to damage Sedjati’s reputation, calling the media reports unjustified.
