Second German athlete found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs.
The doping scandals involving Sara and Sofia Benfares have generated considerable attention beyond the realm of sports. Currently, Sofia, the younger sibling, is also facing a multi-year ban. Both sisters are also dealing with potential legal prosecution.
Sofia Benfares, an athlete like her sister Sara, is now subject to a four-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for using the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (Epo). Moreover, all her achievements since January 11, 2024, have been negated. She still holds the right to appeal her case to the German Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sofia previously achieved a third-place finish in the 3000 meters at the European Junior Championships.
The doping incidents surrounding the Benfares sisters have sparked considerable controversy nationwide. Sara Benfares, also a participant in international events like the European and World Championships, received a five-year ban after testing positive for five prohibited substances, including testosterone and Epo. After news of the positive sample broke out, her father informed the public that Sara had been battling bone cancer and needed to take medication urgently.
Sara Benfares' lawyer, Dubravko Mandic - a longtime AfD politician - defended her in a statement, asserting that due to her numerous health issues, any potential performance enhancement was improbable both subjectively and objectively. He also noted that she intended to move on from the situation. Sara later announced her decision to retire from sports. Her ban was increased to five years due to "aggravating circumstances."
Both athletes, Sofia and Sara, have subsequently been expelled from their club, LC Rehlingen, following the revelation of their doping samples. Selma, their older sister, also had her membership revoked.
Owing to potential breaches of anti-doping laws, legal action has been initiated against the two sisters at the Saarbrücken public prosecutor's office. NADA highlighted that this criminal investigation does not interfere with the sports law proceedings. The anti-doping law offers a variety of penalties which can range from fines to multiple years of imprisonment.
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Source: www.ntv.de
