Azeri weightlifter Nizami Pashayev (94 kg), European and two times world champion, has been banned for two years after failing a drugs test by World Anti-Doping Agency.

Vahid Nazarov, First Vice President of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation, said Pashayev tested positive for the banned substance methandienone after he won European championship in Poland in May.

Nizami Pashayev was also stripped of his European champion title and fined $2,400 by International Weightlifting Federation.

Vahid Nazarov said despite suspension Nizami Pashayev is continuing?his trainings, and Azerbaijani coaches believe in him.

Pashayev's suspension ends in May 2008, and he will attend the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

/AzerTAg/