Barely a week later, Williams, the 2012 European 400m hurdles champion and the son of former Welsh international rugby union player J.J. Williams, suffered a similar fate, with both suspended and withdrawn from the Welsh squad for Glasgow 2014.

The duo have now faced a hearing with a National Anti-Doping Panel in London during which it is understood both blamed contaminated substance, a similar excuse used by many other athletes in recent years.

These have included Jamaica's former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, handed an 18-month ban after failing a test for banned stimulant oxilofrine, although this was eventually reduced to six months after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Gareth Warburton, as well as Rhys Williams, is expected to face a verdict next month ©Getty Images

"Welsh Athletics can confirm a National Anti-Doping Panel hearing is taking place," a spokesperson from the governing body commented.

"We now await a decision

"The matter is subject to confidentiality restrictions imposed by the rules, and as such we are unable to provide further comment."

Although the delay in announcing a verdict means it will be made after the new World Anti-Doping Code comes into operation on January 1, the case will be considered under the 2009 Code as it was still in operation at the time the violation took place.

However, under a provision, the athletes are allowed to apply for their hearing to be heard under the new 2015 Code, should this be in their favour.

The new Code stipulates a mandatory four-year ban or a doping offence rather than the two-year one under the previous system, although on the other hand, it also takes a sympathetic reaction if accidental contamination is proven, as Williams and Warbuton are claiming.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2014: Wales in crisis at Glasgow 2014 after second athlete withdraws due to doping
July 2014: Leading Welsh hope suspended from Glasgow 2014 after doping charge