ATHENS, April 17 (Xinhua)-- The Greek Weightlifting Federation (EOAB) has accepted the resignation of coach Christos Iakovou after he submitted it for a second time, Greek English daily newspaper Kathimerini reported on Thursday.

    Iakovou was suspended after the news of 11 weightlifters failing doping tests broke earlier this month but his initial offer to resign was not accepted.

    Prosecutor Andreas Karaflos gave the athletes until May 2 to prepare their defenses. They had been due to give their depositions on Wednesday.

    The 11 weightlifters from the Greek national team tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition check. It is not yet known whether the alleged use of banned substances will result in a ban on the Greek weightlifting team from participating in the Beijing Olympic Games.