Pole vaulter Gibilisco to appeal against doping ban

Former pole vault world champion Giuseppe Gibilisco is to appeal against a two-year doping ban handed to him by the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) this week.

"We're definitely going to appeal. They have to give us the reasons behind this sentence," Gibilisco said.

In a statement, FIDAL said the sentence reflected "the request put forward by the Italian Olympic Committee's Anti-Doping Prosecutor".

Last week, Gibilisco appeared in front of CONI's anti-doping prosecutor to explain how his name had become involved in the "Oil for Drugs" investigation by Italian police into doping in sport.

The probe, which began in 2004, has focused on the relationship between sportsmen - including athletes and cyclists - and doctor Carlo Santuccione, who is alleged to have supplied them with banned substances.