The International Olympic Committee excluded Greek weightlifter Leonidas Sampanis from the Olympics yesterday and demanded that he give his bronze medal back.
Sampanis tested positive for high testosterone levels after finishing third in the 62kg category last Monday.
The IOC executive board met early this morning to rule on the case, which shocked the host nation days after its top sprint pair withdrew after missing an eve-of-Games dope test.
The IOC said in a statement: "The IOC excecutive board decided that Leonidas Sampanis is disqualified from the men's 62kg weightlifting event where he had placed third; he shall have his medal and diploma withdrawn; and shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation withdrawn."
The Greek Olympic team chief said IOC officials had already visited their headquarters to get the medal back.
"The IOC visited our headquarters in the Olympic Village today and has asked for the return of Sampanis's medal," Yiannis Papadoyiannakis said.
Sampanis, who won the host's first medal of the Games, has professed his innocence, saying he never used banned substances.
Israel Jose Rubio of Venezuela, who finished fourth in the contest, is expected to receive the bronze medal.
Filed by Bree Treacy
