Graz99ers dismiss Kilian Zündel over doping case

The Graz99ers have dismissed Dornbirn ice hockey player Kilian Zündel with immediate effect over a doping case, ORF reported. The 25-year-old is accused of having an unauthorised vitamin infusion administered over an extended period.

The case concerns an intravenous infusion Zündel received on April 30 while under contract with the Graz99ers. Within 12 hours, he was given more than 100 millilitres, which is prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

The National Anti-Doping Agency said the proceedings have not yet been concluded, but are expected to end in an amicable settlement to speed up the process. Zündel could face a two-year ban.

In a statement, Zündel described the infusion as a mistake but said he had not taken any prohibited substances. He said it was solely a vitamin infusion intended to support recovery after a physically demanding season.

The Graz99ers said the club would face no consequences because the violation occurred after the end of the previous championship. Club president Herbert Jerich said, however, that the immediate dismissal had been unavoidable because the team had no tolerance for doping in any form.