Asafa Powell seeks reduction of ban

Asafa Powell

Jamaican sprinter and former 100 m world record holder Asafa Powell has appealed the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a reduction of his 18-month ban.

The Jamaican is asking the CAS to reduce the ban to just three months because of the nature of his offence. Powell tested positive for a stimulant, oxilophrine, at the 2013 national championships in Jamaica. He said at the time of his ban that the stimulant - which is only banned during competition - had been found in a legal supplement he was taking.

Powell along with his training partner Sherone Simpson who was given the same ban, have been invited to file written submissions to CAS.

The date for an appeal hearing has not been set.

The deadline for athletes wishing to compete at the Commonwealth Games is June 11, six weeks before the Games get underway on July 23.