Former 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell has been banned from athletics for 18 months after testing positive for a banned substance.

The Jamaican sprinter failed a drugs test last summer.

Powell's suspension has been backdated to June 21st 2013, the day he tested positive for a stimulant, so he will be able to compete again from December the 20th this year.

Leading Jamaican female sprinter Sherone Simpson also incurred a similar ban this week.