Robertson dismayed by CAS drug call

Sports and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson has revealed his disappointment at Britain's lifetime ban for drug cheats being overturned.

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that the British Olympic Association's bylaw was "non-compliant" with the World Anti-Doping Agency's code means sprinter Dwain Chambers and cyclist David Millar will now be eligible for selection for Team GB for the London Games.

Robertson called for tougher sanctions for doping offences generally, saying: "I supported the BOA's position, as our national Olympic committee, in having the autonomy to set its own eligibility criteria for Team GB athletes. I accept this ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport but it is very disappointing."

He continued: "Moving forward, I fully endorse UK Anti-Doping's first submission to WADA as part of its review of the World Anti-Doping Code. I want the code to be further strengthened and I would particularly like to see tougher sanctions for proven drug cheats.

"The UK takes its responsibilities in the fight against doping in sport seriously. As we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, we are promoting this message through the international 'Win Clean' campaign."

BOA chairman Lord Moynihan promised that Chambers and Millar would not be treated differently to any other athlete.

Moynihan stated: "This will be seen as a hollow victory for WADA."