Iran's Asian Games steeplechase champion Hossein Keyhani has received a provisional suspension for a doping rules violation ©Getty Images

Iran's Asian Games steeplechase gold medallist Hossein Keyhani has received a provisional suspension after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO).

Keyhani received a "notice of allegation" from the Athletics Integrity Unit and could face a ban of up to four years. 

Hossein Keyhani set a new national and Asian Games record last year in the 3,000m steeplechase ©Getty Images
Hossein Keyhani set a new national and Asian Games record last year in the 3,000m steeplechase ©Getty Images

EPO is a hormone that acts on the bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production.

The 29-year old Keyhani won the men's 3,000 metres steeplechase at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, setting national and Asian Games records with a time of 8mins 22.79secs.

Yesterday saw Bahrain's Olympic silver medallist Eunice Kirwa receive a temporary suspension after testing positive for the same substance.