Court overturns BOA lifetime ban

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the BOA's by-law does not comply with the World Anti-doping Agency (Wada) code.

The decision will allow sprinter Dwain Chambers and cyclist David Millar to be selected by Team GB for the London 2012 Games.

CAS said: "The by-law is a doping sanction and is therefore not in compliance with the Wada code. The CAS confirms the view of the Wada foundation board as indicated in its decision.

"Therefore, the appeal of BOA is rejected, and the decision of the Wada foundation board is confirmed."

The BOA were also ordered to "pay all of the costs of the arbitration" - the organisation have already incurred substantial costs in hiring top barrister Lord David Pannick, albeit at reduced rates.

Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson was disappointed at the outcome and called for tougher sanctions for doping.

Robertson said: "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.

"I want the code to be further strengthened and I would particularly like to see tougher sanctions for proven drug cheats."

UK Athletics confirmed that athletes such as Chambers who had been affected by the lifetime ban would now be eligible for selection.

They said they have "always supported the BOA by-law but welcome the clarity the CAS decision brings to this issue.

"Athletes affected by the ruling are now eligible for the team, in both individual and relay events, and will be subject to the same selection criteria and process as every other British athlete," UK Athletics said.

Millar is likely to be part of the Olympic cycling team in London but British Cycling refused to speculate on that possibility.

They said: "Our team for the Games is being selected in June and across all disciplines we'll pick the team based on which riders are fit and available, and who we believe have the best chance to deliver medals.

"Ahead of that we won't be speculating on who may or may not be selected."