Sport-Greek weightlifters face criminal charges over doping

ATHENS May 20 (Reuters) - Eleven members of the Greek national weightlifting team who tested positive for banned substances in March are among 25 people charged in connection with the case, a court official said on Tuesday.

The official told Reuters that prosecutor Andreas Karaflos had ended his investigation into the doping scandal by charging the 25 -- including former coach Christos Iacovou and his staff, the supplier and the medical team -- with nine misdemeanours.

"Athletes are charged with use of banned substances. Coach Iacovou is charged with instigating the use of banned substances by athletes, as well as instigating the production and distribution of banned substances," said the official.

"Other members of the coaching team are also charged with the possession and distribution of banned substances. The pharmacist and supplier also face similar charges."

"If convicted, the accused could face up to five years in jail, plus fines," the official added.

The weightlifters tested positive in an out-of-competition test in March with the results announced in early April.

Iacovou stepped down as coach because of the scandal and Greece is now likely to be barred from sending a weightlifting team to the Beijing Olympics.

However, it is unlikely the athletes or officials will be sent to jail because sentences for misdemeanours in Greece are usually suspended or can be covered by paying a fine.

(Editing by Karolos Grohmann)