Rowing: Doping controversy hits world champs

MUNICH - Russian rowers Vladimir Varfolomeev, Denis Moiseev and Svetlana Fedorova have been disqualified from the World Championships in Munich after breaking doping regulations, organisers said.

The International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA) said in a statement the three had violated anti-doping rules, specifically the "use of a prohibited method".

The disqualification means that the three Russian Lightweight Men's Double Sculls and the Russian Women's Eight can not take part any further in the world championships. The three rowers will be banned for two years from August 28.

"The violation was the use of a prohibited method and it was not a positive doping test," FISA general director Matt Smith told reporters. He said the violation had taken place before the rowers had arrived in Germany.

- REUTERS