Andrei Markov has been suspended for 1.5 years by the Russian anti-doping body RUSADA

Igor Burdetskiy July 12, 2021

1 1 minute read

Andrei Markov hoists the Gagarin Cup trophy after his team wins the KHL championship on April 22, 2018. Photo by KHL /Twitter

Former Canadian defenseman Andrei Markov, who accepted a KHL assistant coach position in May, has been suspended for a year and a half by the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA).

Andrei Markov has been suspended for 1.5 yrs by the Russian anti-doping body RUSADA for failing to supply them with a letter of retirement, hence ending the expectation of mandatory testing. He will therefore be unable to begin his coaching career with Vityaz.

— Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) July 12, 2021

However, according to the reports from the Russian site championat.com, it is not because of a failed test that he received this sanction, but for a purely administrative reason. When Markov decided to end his playing career in April 2020, he in fact failed to notify RUSADA through an official letter.

So, believing he was still an active player, the agency expected Markov, 42, to submit to regular doping controls. Except that he did not do it, believing that it was not necessary any more since he had hung up his skates. It is therefore because of these failed tests that RUSADA cracked down on him.

In an interview with the Match TV channel, and as quoted by championat.com, Markov swears he was unaware that he had to undergo the tests in question. ” I did not know. Nobody warned me, ”he said.

Markov joined Vityaz Podolsk in May as an assistant coach. But the 1^isJuly, the team announced that he would not be able to take up his new role. He was eventually replaced by Alexander Boykov. Markov will not be able to take on another coaching position in the KHL for the duration of his suspension.

During his 990-game NHL career, all played in the Canadiens’ uniform from 2000 to 2017, Markov scored 119 goals and tallied 572 points. He then turned to the KHL where he played for three seasons, winning the Gagarin Cup with Ak Bars Kazan in 2018.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!