Spanish long-distance runner Fifa detained in doping raid

By AP
Published

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Spanish long-distance runner Ilias Fifa was detained by police on Wednesday in an anti-doping operation in Barcelona.

The 2016 European champion in the 5,000 meters was among 11 people detained by Spanish authorities as they dismantled a ring that is suspected of selling illegal substances.

Authorities said they could not release any other details as the operation had not been completed.

Ilias' club, Barcelona, said it was committed to the fight against doping and presumed the athlete's innocence, pending the outcome of the investigation. However, the club said it would take all necessary measures against Fifa if he was found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Fifa, who was born in Morocco, started representing Spain after arriving in the country a decade ago as an immigrant hiding in a truck.