France have suspended European judo champion Loic Korval for 10 months after missing three drug tests.

The 26-year-old was due to defend his title at the European Championships in Baku later this year, but will not be eligible as the ban is due to expire on August 22.

Despite the suspension, which has been backdated to October 22, Korval is not giving up on competing at the Olympic Games next year.

"I know that mistakes can have heavy consequences, but I'm not giving up," Korval told L'Equipe.

The athlete was in danger of being handed a two-year ban.

Written by
Danielle Joynson