The ITA notifies weightlifter Mr. Bozhidar Dimitrov Andreev of an apparent anti-doping rule violation
The International Testing Agency (ITA), leading an independent anti-doping program for the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), confirms that it has notified Bulgarian weightlifter Bozhidar Dimitrov Andreev of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for mesterolone metabolite.
The ITA reports that a sample collected during an out-of-competition testing mission on 15 October 2025 from Bozhidar Dimitrov Andreev, a weightlifter from Bulgaria, has returned an AAF¹ for the prohibited substance mesterolone metabolite.
Mesterolone is prohibited under the 2025 WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). It is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. Mesterolone is known for its potent androgenic properties by increasing testosterone levels and enhancing male sexual characteristics.
The athlete has been informed of the case and has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.
If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.
Further, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and Article 7.4.1 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the athlete. The athlete has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting.
Pursuant to the IWF’s delegation of its anti-doping program to the ITA, the prosecution of the case is being handled entirely by the ITA. Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments made.
The original press release can be found here: https://ita.sport/news/the-ita-notifies-weightlifter-mr-bozhidar-dimitrov-andreev-of-an-apparent-anti-doping-rule-violation/
