France loses 2016 Olympics place in team eventing for doping

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) France was stripped of its spot in equestrian's team eventing competition a next year's Olympics on Thursday because of a doping violation.

Maxime Livio's horse Qalao des Mers tested positive for a sedative medication that is banned in competition at last year's World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

Livio had not provided a veterinary form to administer the substance acepromazine, the International Equestrian Federation said. It described the drug as a ''tranquilizer with sedative effects.''

The French eventing team, including Livio, placed fourth to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The FEI said France is now disqualified and loses its Olympic berth in the event. Under FEI rules, a team is typically disqualified for a single doping violation at major events.

Seventh-placed Canada now gets one of the six Olympic eventing slots offered at the World Equestrian Games.

Livio also loses his fifth-place result from the individual competition in Normandy.

The rider argued he was not at fault for the positive test, the FEI ruling said.

The FEI said its tribunal ruled only on the disqualifications and will decide later on further sanctions.

The final verdict can be appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.