The Human Plasma doping scandal has unfolded over the past 18 months. Here is a timeline of events.
November 4, 2007
WADA president Dick Pound sent a letter to Reinhold Lopatka, Austrian Secretary of State for Sport stating that there were “good reasons” to suspect that Human Plasma was involved in doping.
January 8, 2008
The Austrian newspaper, Courier, published an article exposing Pound’s concerns. International uproar followed as the article claimed 31 athletes were involved, including top German skiers and biathletes – charges that were denied by the Germans, and that have never been confirmed.
January 9, 2008
The Vienna public prosecutor’s office confirmed that Italy had requested assistance in investigating Human Plasma for potential involvement in doping at the 2006 Olympics in Torino.
January 15, 2008
The German TV channel ARD names professional cyclists Georg Totschnig, Michael Rasmussen, Michael Boogerd and Denis Mentschow as clients of Human Plasma. ARD also claims that a large percentage of Human Plasma clients are German athletes, including cross-country skiers and biathletes. ARD later admits to having fabricated this story.
January 18, 2008
Human Plasma files suit against Riebe Arnold Bauer, the head of the Disciplinary Commission ÖSV for allegedly spreading false allegations.
January 31, 2008
Secretary of State for Sport Lopatka announces there is not sufficient evidence against Human Plasma and that the investigation would remain inconclusive. The prosecutor does not share this opinion.
February 13, 2008
When Bundeskriminalamt langt an anonymous ad to 3 doctors and 31 domestic and foreign athletes On. Reason: Blood doping, including insurance fraud.
February 27, 2008
WADA discusses the issue at a symposium titled “Human Plasma Lab.” Lothar Baumgartner, Head of Human Plasma, describes the WADA as the “Better Rabbit Breeders Association.”
March 22, 2009
The formerAustrian ski coach coach Walter Mayer is investigated for providing EPO to professional cyclists.
March 24, 2009
The Austrian prosecutor declares there is insufficent evidence against Human Plasma, and hte case is dropped.
March 25, 2009
Mayer is connected to Human Plasma and is detained.
March 27, 2009
Austrian triathlete Lisa Hütthaler confesses to doping and names Stefan Matschiner as her supplier of EPO. Matschiner, a well know manager in the cycling world is a friend of Walter Mayer.
March 31, 2009
Upon returning from the US, Matschiner is arrested. Professional cyclist Bernhard Kohl confesses to doping and admits to going to Human Plasma for “treatments,” each time accompanied by Matschiner.
Source: Kurier
