Weightlifter Andreev receives a four-year doping ban
Bulgarian weightlifter Bozhidar Andreev received a four-year ban after an out-of-competition sample tested positive for a mesterolone metabolite. The sanction runs from his provisional suspension in November 2025 to November 2029. Results from the intervening testing period were disqualified. Eligible parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sports··Night
Four-year sanction announced
Bulgarian weightlifter Bozhidar Dimitrov Andreev has received a four-year ban for an anti-doping rule violation. The International Testing Agency announced the sanction on 6 November. It concerns a positive sample taken during an out-of-competition control in October 2025.[1], [2]
The agency said a sample collected on 15 October 2025 contained a mesterolone metabolite. The substance belongs to the anabolic androgenic steroid category on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. It is banned both during and outside competition.[1]
Ban runs until November 2029
Andreev was notified and provisionally suspended on 18 November 2025. The four-year sanction starts from that date and ends on 17 November 2029. His individual competitive results from 15 October to 18 November 2025 have also been disqualified, covering the period between collection of the sample and the provisional suspension.[1]
Appeal to sports arbitration remains open
The agency issued the decision on behalf of the International Weightlifting Federation under its anti-doping rules. Those rules allow a written sanction without a hearing panel when the athlete does not challenge the alleged violation or request a hearing. Parties entitled to appeal may take the decision to the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.[1]
