After "Doping" Incident: Why Zündel Is Allowed to Train in Graz

Kilian Zündel is back with the Graz99ers.

The reigning champions of the win2day ICE Hockey League welcomed the 25-year-old from Vorarlberg back into their ranks as a "training guest" on Thursday.

The defenseman was terminated without notice in mid-September after the Graz team was informed by the Austrian Anti-Doping Legal Commission that Zündel had allegedly violated the anti-doping regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The Allegation

Specifically, he was accused of receiving an intravenous infusion of a total of more than 100 milliliters within a 12-hour period on April 30 of this year – after the conclusion of the league final series.

This is prohibited according to WADA's anti-doping regulations and their "Prohibited List 2026". As part of a longevity treatment, Zündel received a larger amount of Vitamin C, which was intended for regeneration "after a grueling season."

Waiver of Amicable Settlement of Proceedings

The 99ers had announced that Zündel accepted the legal measure and waived any legal remedies. This would have entailed a two-year ban.

A few days later, the Vorarlberg native himself announced via Instagram, however, that he had not signed the so-called "Case Resolution Agreement." Zündel has thus waived an amicable settlement of the proceedings.

This means the verdict and the ban are not yet legally binding. "I will present my position in the ordinary proceedings and am confident that the circumstances will be fully considered there," he wrote.

More Than Two Years Ban Possible

However, in the event of a conviction, the sentence could also be higher than two years, NADA Austria confirmed upon inquiry from LAOLA1. Likewise, the range of sanctions could be lowered; an acquittal is, of course, also possible.

Should the allegation be proven, intent and the degree of negligence are crucial in evaluating the penalty. "I am, of course, fully aware that I made a mistake," Zündel said in September.

Training with 99ers Legally Permissible

According to LAOLA1 information, the hearing in Zündel's case is scheduled to take place on December 10.

At least until then, the Dornbirn native is allowed to train with the 99ers and keep fit. This is legally permissible, despite ongoing proceedings.

If, as in Zündel's case, no suspension has been issued by the ÖADR, participation in both training sessions and competitions is generally permitted, NADA Austria informed LAOLA1.

Due to the "fair play principle", 99ers President Herbert Jerich told the "Krone", "'Zündi' will not, however, play any championship game as long as there is no final verdict."

Zündel belongs to the "99ers family," emphasizes the club boss.