Azerbaijan has started investigations on the disqualification of nine of its weightlifters for a doping scandal.
Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov said Friday the ministry treats the issue of very seriously and pays close attention to the anti-doping policy, reports Xinhua.
"Now we are investigating the incident in close contact with the Federation of Weightlifting of Azerbaijan," Rahimov said.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) earlier this week fined Azerbaijan $500,000 and waived a possible suspension after nine lifters were caught doping last year.
Five male and four female weightlifters failed drug tests in 2013 and most were suspended for two years.
IWF urged Azerbaijan to initiate an investigation on athletes, coaches and team doctors.
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