The Western Mustangs’ star running back has been hit with a lengthy suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
The Canadian Centre For Ethics in Sport announced on Wednesday Édouard Wanadi received a four year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
“The athlete’s urine sample, collected during out-of-competition doping control on October 11, 2022, revealed the presence of GW501516, a prohibited metabolic modulator,” the centre said in a statement.
Wanadi waived his right to a hearing, which according to the centre equates to admitting to the violation and accepting the proposed period of ineligibility and all other applicable consequences.
The suspension was imposed on November 10, 2022 and will continue until November 9, 2026.
“During the sanction period, the athlete is ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, including training with teammates,” the centre said.
Mustangs Football Head Coach Greg Marshall issued a statement to make clear to the community that Western is committed to ensuring university sport is a safe experience.
“Our team follows the comprehensive CCES (Canadian Centre For Ethics in Sport) protocols put in place by the university and U SPORTS,” said Marshall.
He went on to state that all players are required to complete the required CCES True Sport Clean modules.
“In addition, all student athletes who compete for the Western Mustangs varsity Football team are required to complete the athlete eligibility requirement process, which includes reviewing and agreeing each year to the Western Mustangs Behavioural Guidelines and Varsity Code of Conduct.”
Wanadi, a 6’2”, 220 lbs running back from Saint-Jerome, Quebec, attends Western University affiliate King’s University College. He has played the past two seasons with the Mustangs.