Figere tests positive as France lose Euro title

Hammer thrower Nicolas Figere tested positive for stimulant cathine during the European Cup last June to strip France of their title in the men's competition, the French (FFA) and European (AEA) athletics' federations said on Wednesday.

Figere tested positive in an AEA test on June 23 dealt with by the Kreischa laboratory in Germany, the FFA said in a statement.

The disciplinary commission of the FFA added they had handed Figere a one-month suspention from April 15 to May 14 this year and decided to annul his performance at the competition in Germany.

AEA spokesman Pierce O'Callaghan told AFP by telephone: "It's official. They (France) have lost the title."

The loss of Figere's points from his fifth placing meant France were relegated to second place behind Germany with Poland in third spot.