An investigation has been initiated against the former German boxing world champion Felix Sturm because of a possibly banned infusion use. The Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office confirmed this to ARD. The 45-year-old Sturm and a physiotherapist are suspected of violating the anti-doping law.
According to an ARD report last year, the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) called in the public prosecutor’s office. The NADA had “submitted the facts to the responsible public prosecutor’s office on the basis of the anti-doping law after the ARD report was broadcast,” said NADA board chairman Lars Mortsiefer at the time to the sports information service, saying it was a so-called informational communication.
There is a risk of imprisonment
Sturm was seen in a photo on social media in January 2023 that showed him during an infusion with a physiotherapist and alternative practitioner. His practice published the photo, and ARD confronted NADA with the incident.
Infusions in which more than 100 milliliters of fluid are administered within twelve hours are prohibited for competitive athletes. They are on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list because they can mask doping substances in the body.
The WADA prohibited list is also the basis of the German anti-doping law. Exceptions are emergency treatments or special permits.
According to the anti-doping law, if charges are filed, Sturm and his supervisor face a fine or a prison sentence of up to three years – if it can be proven that he intended to dope. Sturm, who was sentenced to prison for tax evasion in 2020, has a criminal record.
Saline solution and vitamin C?
In terms of sports law, Sturm probably doesn’t have to fear any consequences because the Association of German Professional Boxers (BDB) has not subjected itself to the WADA code. Infusions are not explicitly mentioned in the association’s doping regulations.
The alternative practitioner who carried out Sturm’s infusion confirmed to the ARD doping editorial team before the article was published that Sturm had received 250 milliliters of saline solution plus supposedly vitamin C.
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Sturm was recently active as a boxer; in December 2023 he defeated the Turk Sükrü Altay. A subsequent fight has not yet been scheduled.
