<p>The American Olympic and world champion was banned for 21 months on Monday, backdated to Oct 28 last year, after testing positive for banned substances used in a male enhancement product. <br /><br />"The (IOC) rule states very clearly that any athlete sanctioned for six months or more will be banned from participation in the next edition of the Games. This rule is still valid and applies to all athletes. Each case is of course different and subject to potential legal procedures but the IOC's rules are clear, coming into force just before Beijing in July 2008,” Adams said.<br /><br />In its verdict the American Arbitration Association said the IOC's rule went against the World Anti-Doping Agency code and, as a signatory to the code, the IOC could not ban Merritt from the London Games.</p>
<p>The American Olympic and world champion was banned for 21 months on Monday, backdated to Oct 28 last year, after testing positive for banned substances used in a male enhancement product. <br /><br />"The (IOC) rule states very clearly that any athlete sanctioned for six months or more will be banned from participation in the next edition of the Games. This rule is still valid and applies to all athletes. Each case is of course different and subject to potential legal procedures but the IOC's rules are clear, coming into force just before Beijing in July 2008,” Adams said.<br /><br />In its verdict the American Arbitration Association said the IOC's rule went against the World Anti-Doping Agency code and, as a signatory to the code, the IOC could not ban Merritt from the London Games.</p>