Gatlin must serve at least four years

OLYMPIC 100m champion Justin Gatlin must serve a minimum drugs ban of four years, says the world governing body.

He struck a deal on Tuesday with the US authorities for up to eight years out instead of a life ban by agreeing to help the fight against doping.

The IAAF, which has the right to challenge the US ban if it wants, would accept eight years or less but says “four years would be the minimum”.