"She can provide substantial help and provide information about other people who violate anti-doping regulations" - Anti-doping expert on how Simona Halep can reduce suspension

Gabriela Andreiasu, the president of the Romanian National Anti-Doping Agency explained what Halep can do to reduce her suspension.

Halep was provisionally banned from tennis a few days ago after testing positive twice for a banned substance. Her statement confirmed that she will fight to prove her innocence with many who know Halep speaking out in her favour as well.

The head of her country's anti-doping agency also spoke on the topic saying:

"Simona must prove her innocence if it is as she says that she does not know how that substance got into the body. However, we are talking about a biological sample that clearly confirmed that there is that substance both in sample A and in sample B."

She continued:

"At the moment, Simona has two violations. The one of presence, but also the one of use. If she proves how she got it into the body, the period can be reduced. But not more than half of the otherwise applicable period. Or she can provide substantial help and provide information about other people who violate anti-doping regulations or about coaches who dope other athletes."

Andreaiasu concluded with:

"If she has this information and makes it known, during the management period or even after a final decision is made, she can freeze, with the agreement of the World Anti-Doping Agency, the period of suspension up to 3 quarters. The code says, as is the case with the substance that was identified in Simona's sample, the penalty is 4 years."