Anti-doping chief to quit after cyclist overturns ban

“My resignation is irrevocable and I am not changing my mind. Formally I will send a letter to (CONI) President Gianni Petrucci today (Monday). In that letter I will explain my decision,” said Aiello.

Aiello’s job has been to investigate doping cases and recommend action to sports federations, but on a large number of occasions the final bans were well below his recommendation.

Pantani had been disqualified for the possession of an insulin syringe found by police in a hotel room where he stayed during the 2001 Giro D’Italia. The former Tour de France winner has always protested his innocence.

Insulin, which can boost endurance, is permitted only to treat athletes with diabetes.

However, the decision of the Federal Appeal Commission of the Italian Cycling Federation to overturn that ban on Saturday means he can start racing again.

“When bodies of sporting Justice have to judge famous personalities either they reduce the sentence or they just give up,” said Aiello, who has headed the anti-doping board for the past two years.

“The absolution of Pantani was just the final case. Either you apply the rules to everyone or it is better just to forget about it,” he said.

As well as dealing with the large number of doping cases surrounding the Giro D’Italia cycling race, Aiello also recommended bans for footballers in Italy who had tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone.

“Before Pantani there was the clemency in the cases of the footballers (Edgar) Davids, (Fernando) Couto and (Pep) Guardiola and nandrolone.

“There was the failure to penalise with a six point reduction (soccer club) Empoli…. and there has been the liberalisation of caffeine in cycling as the International Cycling Federation wanted,” said Aiello. (Reuters)