PARIS (AP) - The World Anti-Doping Agency will appeal against the Greek amateur athletics federation (SEGAS) decision to clear sprinters Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou of evading drug tests if the sport’s governing body doesn’t, WADA chief Dick Pound said yesterday.

Pound said WADA would take the case to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport if the International Association of Athletics Federations doesn’t contest last Friday’s ruling. [SEGAS blamed the Sydney Olympic medalists’ controversial coach, Christos Tzekos, for the athletes’ three no-shows and gave him a four-year ban.]

“The Greek federation’s decision is strange but not surprising,” Pound said. “I am certain that the IAAF will appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. If the IAAF accepts the Greek federation’s decision, then WADA will take it up with CAS.”

The IAAF expressed “surprise” at the decision and said its doping review board would study the ruling. [The sprinters have been charged with faking a motorcycle crash to dodge a drugs test on the eve of the 2004 Olympics opening ceremony.]