OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Algerian Makhloufi thrown out of Games for not trying

By Stephen Watson, Sportsbeat, London 2012

ALGERIAN Taoufik Makhloufi has been thrown out of the 1500 metres Olympic final for not trying in his 800m heat on Monday.

THROWN OUT: Algeria's middle distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi sent home after referee questioned his efforts

The 24-year-old, who won his 1500m semi-final in impressive fashion, was excluded from the Games after the referee of his 800m heat ruled that he had not provided a genuine effort after peeling off the track despite showing no signs of an apparent injury.

Makhloufi was forced to participate in the 800m after his team failed to withdraw him before Sunday’s deadline an International Association Athletics Federations (IAAF) spokeswoman said.

The Algerian was already well behind the field in his heat when he stopped and wandered across the infield of the athletics arena.

Rule 142.4 states that a referee may exclude athletes from participation in all further events in the competition, including relays, if they suspect an athlete of not competing honestly with bona fide effort.

This incident is the latest in a long list of events at this summer’s Games whereby competitors have been accused of showing a lack of effort or unwillingness to win in order to improve their own chances of success.

Last week, four pairs of women's doubles badminton players, including the Chinese top seeds, were disqualified from the Olympics for trying to throw matches in an effort to secure a more favourable quarter-final draw.

The IAAF spokeswoman said that the Algerian could be reinstated for Tuesday's 1500m final if he could get a medical certificate from a local doctor.

© Sportsbeat 2012