He won the
2016 European Championship 5000 metres, in one of the closest long distance finishes ever. He participated in the
5000 metres at the
2015 World Championships in Beijing but with a time of 13:28.29 he did not reach the final. He qualified for the
5000 m event at the
2016 Summer Olympics, where he finished in a non-qualifying 9th place in his heat. In 2018, Spanish athlete Ilias Fifa was sanctioned with a four-year suspension for doping violations. He was penalised by the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency (AEPSAD) following his arrest in 2017 for possession of prohibited substances as part of "Operación Chamberí." The suspension began in May 2018 and included a financial fine of €15,000. The sanction significantly impacted his professional career, including the termination of his contract with FC Barcelona. After serving his suspension, Fifa returned to competition in running and athletics events. ==International competitions==