
The banned drug ligandrol was found in the sample of the 24-year-old world champion
AI-generated summary
Matvey Kanikovsky is the 2025 world champion and 2024 European champion in the weight category up to 100 kg.
World and European judo champion Matvey Kanikovsky was temporarily suspended from competitions due to the discovery of the prohibited substance ligandrol in his doping test. The Championship reports this with reference to the International Doping Testing Agency.
The 24-year-old Russian judoka tested on March 15 and was suspended on April 10. Ligandrol is a selective androgen receptor modulator that is used to gain muscle mass and increase strength.
Due to the suspension, Kanikovsky missed the European Championships in Tbilisi and will not be able to compete at the World Championships in Baku, which will be held from October 4 to 11. The current world champion will not be able to defend his title.
In an interview with Match TV, President of the Russian Judo Federation Sergei Soloveichik said: “We, of course, expected to see Matvey at the World Championships. However, he is currently subject to an ongoing anti-doping investigation and a provisional suspension, so he cannot.”
As Sports.ru quotes Soloveichik as saying, the athlete consistently defends his position and presented the necessary explanations, documents and materials for the consideration of the case.
Kanikovsky is the 2025 world champion and 2024 European champion in the weight category up to 100 kilograms.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Skip the World Championships in Baku
Very likely · Within months

IOC President Kirsty Coventry sent a welcoming letter to the participants of the “Russia - a Sports Power” forum in Krasnoyarsk. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev emphasized the significance of this gesture for the development of international cooperation.

The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has decided to allow Russian classical and beach volleyball teams to participate in European tournaments. The VFW is awaiting information on the timing of the return of Russian clubs to international competitions.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Vyacheslav Fetisov predicts the upcoming IIHF presidential election in Tenerife will not lead to significant changes in the federation's suspension of Russian teams, citing the organization's collective decision-making process.

Former Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola publicly supported the club, management and fans after the Premier League's independent commission found the team guilty of financial irregularities over the period 2009-2018.

The International Olympic Committee said the decision to allow Russian track and field athletes to compete internationally was the sole responsibility of World Athletics, after previous recommendations on restrictions no longer apply.

The International Doping Testing Agency (ITA) has provisionally suspended 2025 world judo champion Matvey Kanikovsky. The athlete's doping sample, taken on March 15, contained the prohibited drug ligandrol.