Leading Bulgarian athletes Vanya Stambolova and Venelina Veneva have tested positive for doping.

The positive drug tests were collected at an unexpected check during training, according to Focus news agency.

Both athletes have the same coach, Georgi Dimitrov.

Bulgaria’s athletics federation head Dobromir Karamarinov confirmed that, because of the test results, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has withdrawn Stambolova and Veneva’s rights to compete.

The two face a two-year ban from competing if further tests confirm the initial results.

Venelina Veneva has won numerous international high jump tournaments, but missed several competitions in recent weeks.

Vanya Stambolova was European champion in the 400m race in 2006. Stambolova’s relatives said that she was recovering from an ankle injury and planned to be absent from the World Championships in Athletics to be held in Osaka, Japan between August 25 and September 2 2007.

Results from second doping tests are expected.