British Olympic Association files appeal

The British Olympic Association has lodged a formal appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding challenges that are being made to their lifetime Olympic bans handed to drug cheats.

The World Anti-Doping Agency believes that the BOA's guidelines are too strong and that the suspension handed out should be lessened.

British athletes found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs, such as sprinter Dwain Chambers, are the only athletes in the world that receive lifetime bans.

"It is a policy that reflects the culture and character of Team GB," said BOA chairman Lord Moynihan.

"The BOA and British Olympic athletes do not consider that those who have deliberately cheated should represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games."

No date has been set for the case, although it is expected to be early next year.