Two former Greek sprinters should be found guilty of lying to avoid a doping test at the 2004 Athens Olympics, the Athens chief prosecutor has said.

Kostas Kenteris

Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou are accused of staging a motorcycle crash to avoid a doping test just before the games’ opening ceremony.Their much-delayed trial began in January but has faced further hold-ups.

They both deny wrongdoing, as does their former coach, who is accused of supplying banned substances.

Athens public prosecutor Giorgos Petros told the court: “The police found no trace of an accident at the scene where the two athletes claimed it took place.”

The two Sydney 2000 Olympic sprint medallists were taken to hospital after the alleged accident and stayed there for several days.

Mr Petros also requested that doctors involved be found guilty of misconduct, although he acknowledged they had made decisions in difficult circumstances.

The trial will continue with statements from the defence, and a panel of three judges is expected to issue a ruling as early as next week.