Swiss sprinter Mancini barred over 'far right' Facebook posts

"Pascal Mancini has recently posted controversial posts on his athlete Facebook page with far-right thinking that violate both an agreement signed with Swiss Athletics and the association's Code of Conduct," Swiss Athletics said in a statement.

"By signing the agreement, Mancini committed to refrain from publishing any discriminatory or racist contributions related to athletics."

It said it had withdrawn his licence so that he could not compete in the 100 metres in Berlin, where this year's European championships are being held in August, and opened disciplinary proceedings.

Mancini has said he is the victim of a media campaign against him. "If I were a racist, I would say so," he told one newspaper.

(Writing by Brian Homewood; Editing by Toby Davis)