Russian rowers banned for 2 years

Three Russian rowers have been banned for two years for doping infractions on the eve of the world rowing championships.

Vladimir Varfolomeev, Denis Moiseev and Svetlana Fedorova were banned violating rules concerning "use of a prohibited method," the world rowing federation said in a statement on Wednesday. FISA did not disclose further information.

Moiseev and Varfolomeev were to compete in the lightweight men's double sculls team. Fedorova was in the women's eight. All three were disqualified from the worlds, which also serve as Olympic qualifying.

FISA said they would be banned until Aug. 28, 2009.