Belfast - Italian world class fencer Andrea Baldini has failed to have a six months ban for a doping violation overturned, the sports' governing body FIE said Friday. Baldini has, however, already served the suspension and is allowed to compete again.

The Italian, who won the silver medal at the world championships in 2006 and 2007, tested positive for the banned diuretic furosemide at the European championships in Kiev last July.

He has always maintained his innocence and said he had fallen victim to a campaign to frame him.

The FIE took this into consideration, as they took the fact that it was his first offence into consideration. The 23-year-old, who was one of the favourites to win a gold medal at the Olympics had also been prevented from competing in Beijing.

FIE said the ban was from September 4 2008 for six months.

As Baldini did not compete in any competitions since that date, he has effectively served his ban.(dpa)