Lyubov Ivanova of Russia has been banned for two years by the Russian Athletics Federation after testing positive for a banned substance.

Ivanova, who won the European 3,000m steeplechase title in 2003, tested positive for an unspecified steroid after finishing fourth at the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany, in September.

The ban took effect Friday and should be ratified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

Nine Russian athletes had failed tests this season, according to the Russian Athletics Federation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2006)