Dotzler has hardly competed on the International Ski Federation (FIS) circuit in recent years after he was first diagnosed with the condition in 2014.

The German, who represented his country at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, recorded a best FIS World Cup finish of third in March 2010.

His best World Championships result came at the 2013 edition of the event in Val di Fiemme, where he was seventh in the men's 50 kilometres classical race.

Despite the illness, Dotzler attempted a comeback at a World Cup in Falun in Sweden earlier this year.

But he only managed two races and subsequently did not participate for the rest of the season.

Dotzler, a promising skier in Germany before he contracted glandular fever, has now decided to call time on his career.

"The past three years have not been easy," he said. 

"There were always good times when I was confident I could make it back, but during the summer I had to realise that because of my illness, I simply can not crank up the training volumes and intensities required.  

"So it was a step that is not easy for me as sport was and is my life. 

"But I am grateful for the many great experiences and support which I was allowed to do in the past years."

German Ski Federation cross-country sports director Andreas Schlütter praised Dotzler for his determination.

"Hannes was an absolute role model both on and off the competition track," he said.

"Especially in the past three years, he has never given up and was always fair, optimistic and determined despite all the setbacks. 

"We all had hoped that this resilience would one day be rewarded. 

"However, we are happy that Hannes is doing well in his health that he has no health restrictions in normal everyday life, apart from top-level sport."