Andrew Bree has qualified for the Beijing Olympics

Andrew Bree's hopes of competing in the Olympics appear to have been boosted by a World Anti Doping Agency statement.

On Wednesday, it was announced swimmer Bree had failed a drugs test and he believes the substance was present in an over-the-counter decongestant.

Wada said on Thursday that athletes could receive a "reduced sanction".

This would apply if they can "establish that the use of such a specified substance was not intended to enhance sport performance", added Wada.

Swimmer Bree believes his positive drugs test was caused by him "unwittingly taking a stimulant" in an over-the-counter decongestant.

A statement issued by Bree's family on Wednesday night said that the Irish swimmer had "never knowingly taken a banned substance.

It added that Bree "abhors the use of performance enhancing drugs".

Bree registered an adverse finding for levmethamfetamine, which is contained in the US version of a Vicks Inhaler.

The substance is not contained in the UK version of the product.

While refusing to comment on the specifics of the Bree case, Wada media relations manager Frederic Donze told BBC Sport that Levmethamfetamine is a "specified substance'.

Skier Alain Baxter was hit by a three-month ban in 2002

"The (Wada) Code (Article 10.3) states that 'the prohibited list may identify specified substances which are particularly susceptible of unintentional anti-doping rule violations because of their general availability in medicinal products or which are less likely to be successfully abused as doping agents'," said Mr Donze.

"A doping violation involving such substances may result in a reduced sanction provided that the 'athlete can establish that the use of such a specified substance was not intended to enhance sport performance'."

US-based Bree is the only Irish swimmer to have so far qualified for this year's Olympics but his place in Beijing is now in doubt.

His family's statement added:"He will move to clear his name as quickly as possible so that he can continue preparations for the Beijing Olympics."

On Wednesday afternoon, Swim Ireland revealed that the County Down man was tested at the European Short Course Championships in Hungary in December 2007.

Scottish skier Alain Baxter was stripped of an Olympic bronze medal in 2002 after using the same US version of the inhaler.

However, Baxter received a three-month ban for the offence and was able to resume his career.

It is believed Bree can now ask the FINA to analyse the B sample he gave to drugs testers or choose a hearing to argue his case, with the latter being the more likely scenario.

Bree cannot now take part in any competition until his name is cleared.

The Northern Ireland man clinched Olympic qualification in July 2007 when taking part in the 200m breaststroke at the US Nationals.