• Freeman accused of purchasing testosterone for unnamed rider • Case will not now be heard until later this year at earliest

The medical tribunal of the former Team Sky and British Cycling doctor Richard Freeman, which was due to hear charges that he purchased 30 sachets of banned testosterone for an unnamed rider, has been adjourned and will not be heard until later this year at the earliest.

The adjournment was confirmed by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service after nearly a month of legal argument behind closed doors. No explanation was given for Freeman’s non-appearance, the two applications made by his lawyers in private, or why there had been an adjournment.

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However, in the past Freeman has cited mental health reasons for missing public hearings, including an investigation by the parliamentary digital, culture, media and sport committee into a package delivered to Bradley Wiggins at the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2011.

The General Medical Council, which was due to bring its case against Freeman, said it was disappointed at the adjournment. “It is frustrating that this case has not yet got under way,” a spokesperson said. “We remain ready to open our case in public and hope we will be permitted to do so as soon as possible.”

It is understood it will take at least six months, and possibly double that, before the tribunal is able to resume – assuming it does at all. However, in a statement British Cycling said it was in the “public interest and in the best interests of the sport that the allegations against Dr Richard Freeman are heard and examined openly by the MPTS”. The statement continued: “We are therefore extremely disappointed that the hearing has been adjourned. British Cycling is a co-referrer in this case and we will continue to support the General Medical Council’s work as there remain historic questions to be answered.”

Freeman is also accused of lying to other members of British Cycling about ordering testosterone, saying it was a mistake by the Oldham-based supplier Fit4Sport. He is also alleged to have “made untrue statements” when questioned by UK Anti-Doping in February 2017, and is accused of poor record-taking. He denies all the allegations.