Athletes from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Portugal will face more stringent Out-of-Competition (OOC) testing to be eligible for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games following the World Athletics’ (WA) Council’s approval of a recommendation from the Athletics Integrity Unit’s (AIU) Board to impose tougher testing requirements on those federations ahead of the Summer Olympics.
The four federations received clear warnings from the AIU about the insufficiency of their national testing programmes after the World Athletics Championships 2022 in Eugene. All four failed to ensure that there was proportionate OOC testing for their teams at the following World Athletics Championships in Budapest 2023. The Council has subsequently accepted the AIU’s call for all four federations to have testing eligibility conditions imposed on their athletes in order to participate in Paris 2024 as follows:
- In the ten months prior to 4 July 2024, each athlete must have undergone at least three no notice out-of-competition tests (urine and blood) including, if they compete in any event from 800m upwards, at least one Athlete Biological Passport test and one EPO test;
- The three no-notice out-of-competition tests have been conducted at least three weeks apart;
- The first of the three no-notice out-of-competition tests has been conducted no later than 19 May 2024.
This mandatory testing will affect athletes who are not part of the AIU’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP) and the stipulations are similar to the minimum regulations to which Member Federations in ‘Category A’ of Rule 15 of the World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules must adhere. ‘Category A’ Member Federations are deemed to have the highest doping risk and are considered a threat to the overall integrity of the sport. Under Rule 15, these four Member Federations were in ‘Category B’ and considered to have less doping risk. However, the AIU Board has taken this unprecedented step due to the federations’ failure to improve their OOC testing. By contrast, other federations who received similar warnings following the Eugene World Athletics Championships in 2022 – the Czech Republic and New Zealand – improved their testing dramatically.
“We are pleased with the Council’s decision to support the AIU recommendations. This action is tough, but necessary as we did not receive an adequate response from these federations to clear warnings we gave in the lead up to the World Athletics Championships last year,” said AIU Chair David Howman.
“In this Olympic year, we trust this will be a reminder to all Member Federations that the AIU and World Athletics are extremely serious about ensuring a level-playing field for athletes. It is up to all Member Federations to work together with their National AntiDoping Organisations to ensure their team is sufficiently tested prior to Paris 2024 and the AIU will not hesitate to refer any other federation to the Council if we do not see sufficient testing.”
AIU UNVEILS TESTING STATISTICS: IMPROVEMENT IN NATIONAL TESTING PRIOR TO BUDAPEST WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
On a brighter note, Howman revealed national-level testing in athletics is improving but needs further strengthening to safeguard the integrity of premium events.
“Overall, national-level testing in our sport is trending in the right direction. There have been some impressive efforts across the board and this data is a lot better than preEugene.”
Unveiling testing statistics for the 49 biggest Member Federation teams in the lead-up to Budapest (link here), the AIU Chair highlighted key improvements compared to testing prior to the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene. For context, 2,004 athletes competed in Budapest, compared to 1,719 in Eugene (a 17% increase). The testing statistics relate to tests conducted by either the AIU or National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) in the ten months preceding the event and do not include tests conducted onsite before or during the Championships.
HIGHLIGHTS AND COMPARISONS
- 5,542 OOC tests were conducted on athletes in the lead-up period to Budapest, compared to 4,235 for Eugene (30% increase).
- 2,924 in-competition tests prior to Budapest compared to 2,124 prior to Eugene (37% increase).
- 8,466 total tests prior to Budapest compared to 6,359 for Eugene (33% increase).
- A decrease of six per cent (from 33% to 27%) in the number of athletes at the Championships with zero OOC tests in the lead-up period.
- A three-per-cent increase (from 81% to 84%) in the number of athletes who finished Top-8 in an individual event with three or more OOC tests.
- Top-8 finishers were tested on average 5.54 times OOC in the lead-up to Budapest, compared with 4.8 times in Eugene.
- Kenya (11.4), China (11.3), Ethiopia (8.9), Morocco (7.1) and USA (6) averaged the highest number of tests per athlete pre-Budapest.
The AIU is responsible for testing elite international-level athletes in its RTP, mainly those in the Top 10 of their discipline, who are likely to win medals or reach finals at major international events. To complement its high-level testing programme the AIU cooperates closely with NADOs, urging them to focus domestic RTPs on the next tier of athletes. This way, the pinnacle of the competition is well protected from athletes who emerge quickly through the rankings or produce surprise performances, or where the depth of talent means results are unpredictable.
The data published today shows the results of this collaborative approach. An event like the World Athletics Championships is huge, with more than 2,000 competitors, many of whom would not have been in any testing pool and therefore not subject to OOC testing. Consequently, 27 per cent of the 2,004 athletes in Budapest had zero OOC tests in the ten months prior to the event. However, this number drops dramatically to just six per cent for the Top-8 finishers (the finalists) in individual events. Another key finding is that 45 per cent of the athletes had three or more OOC tests, but this number rises to 84 per cent for the Top-8 finishers. In fact, Top-8 athletes averaged 5.54 OOC tests in the lead-up to the World Championships.
“The release of these statistics is in keeping with the AIU’s commitment to greater transparency and accountability to our community and to the public in general,” said Howman. “It is particularly important to release this data at the start of an Olympic year to highlight strengths and weaknesses in national testing programmes and seek appropriate responses.”
EXPLANATORY NOTE:
As part of its responsibilities, the AIU continuously monitors testing at national level, both for (i) ensuring good coordination and no redundancy with its own testing programme and (ii) for monitoring compliance with the testing requirements set out under World Athletics Rule 15.
Under the framework of Rule 15, governing National Federation Anti-Doping Obligations, which came into force in January 2019, National Federations are accountable for ensuring appropriate anti-doping measures are in place in their respective jurisdictions. Among other things, the Rule sets out minimum requirements for testing of the ‘Category A’ National Federations which are deemed to have the highest doping risk and are considered a threat to the overall integrity of the sport.
Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Sologub Yuriy (bodybuilding) ineligible for 4 years for violation under cl. 4.3 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on February 13, 2024, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from October 23, 2023.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are pleased to announce a new equine anti-doping & medication control initiative, underpinning their common commitment to the regulation of medicine use and zero tolerance of doping in horseracing on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Out of Competition Testing (OOCT) is a critical component of an effective, modern anti-doping strategy in sport. Both jurisdictions have increased OOCT in recent years, increasing access to and testing of Thoroughbreds at all stages of their careers. Building on this and reflecting their shared focus on participant safety and wellbeing, and the integrity of horseracing, the IHRB and BHA are now formally conducting joint OOCT operations across both jurisdictions. These inspections commenced this week with almost 250 samples taken from more than 120 horses that are entered for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in an operation across 14 training premises in Ireland over the last two days, which saw the Head of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare and a Senior Veterinary Officer from the BHA join forces with the IHRB’s Deputy Heads of Veterinary Operations and Policy and other IHRB Authorised Officers.
The IHRB and BHA have agreed that when working jointly in Ireland, they will be operating under IHRB Standard Operating Procedures, and all samples will be considered as IHRB samples. When IHRB Veterinary Officers operate in Britain, it will be under BHA protocols and BHA jurisdiction. In both instances, there will be transparent exchange of any adverse results or screening findings that arise from these tests, with all samples being tested by LGC Laboratory, one of six laboratories worldwide which is recognised as a referenced laboratory by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
Dr Lynn Hillyer, Chief Veterinary Officer for the IHRB commented: “The IHRB Strategy 2024-2027 commits us to close engagement with international horseracing bodies and benchmarking ourselves against best international practice. This new venture shows stakeholders and the racing public that we collaborate as professionals across both sides of the Irish Sea, sharing best practice and resources and demonstrating equally stringent regulatory processes and standards to the extent that our anti-doping and medication control programmes are interoperable.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with our BHA colleagues in this way and see it as a positive step forward that reinforces the point that there is no room for anything other than the highest standards of integrity and welfare in either jurisdiction.”
James Given, Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare said: “The BHA welcomes the collaboration with the IHRB to demonstrate to stakeholders and the public that horses running from either side of the Irish sea in each other’s races do so under the same level of scrutiny.
“Not only will our Medication Control and Anti-Doping (MCAD) team have access to more information about visiting horses, but there will be opportunities for our wider team to share ideas and best practice in other areas of our work.
“Like the IHRB, this is aligned with our aims around international collaboration, the response to racecourse accidents and the overall improvement of equine safety and welfare.”
The FEI Tribunal has issued its final decision in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.
In this case, a horse trained by Ignacio Flores (FEI ID 10017687/URU), tested positive for the Banned Substance Testosterone following samples taken at the CEIYJ1*100-Costa Azul (URU), 12-14 May 2023.
In its final decision the FEI Tribunal imposed two-year ineligibility period on the trainer; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 7,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 2,000. The results obtained at the event were disqualified in the proceedings against the Person Responsible.
The full Decision is available here.
THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) ACKNOWLEDGES THE AWARD ISSUED BY THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS) ON 18 JANUARY 2024 RULING THAT THE CONDUCT OF HASAN AKKUS, FORMER TURKISH WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION (TWF) PRESIDENT, FORMER EUROPEAN WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION (EWF) PRESIDENT AND FORMER INTERNATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION (IWF) VICE-PRESIDENT WAS “DECEPTIVE AND REPREHENSIBLE AND […] PRONE TO CREATE SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FEDERATIONS WHICH HAD ENTRUSTED HIM WITH TOP-LEVEL POSITIONS” BUT THAT SUCH CONDUCT DOES NOT AMOUNT TO AN ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION. THE ITA WELCOMES THE IWF’S DECISION TO CHALLENGE THE CAS DECISION BEFORE THE SWISS FEDERAL TRIBUNAL.
The case against Mr. Akkus was brought forward by the ITA, on behalf of the IWF, following its investigation into a series of allegations of misconduct by some IWF Officials in June 2021. This investigation led to the life bans against former IWF President, Tamas Ajan, and Vice President, Nicu Vlad.
Following disciplinary proceedings before the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS ADD), on 3 January 2023, the CAS ADD ruled that in 2013, Mr. Akkus tampered with the results management of 21 anti-doping rule violations committed by Turkish Weightlifters by providing false documents and therefore avoided sanctions against the TWF which he presided at the time. Mr. Akkus was sanctioned with a four-year period of Ineligibility.
Mr. Akkus appealed the CAS ADD decision before the CAS appeal division and a hearing took place on 22 August 2023.
On 18 January 2024, the CAS confirmed that “Mr. Akkus engaged in improper conduct” which included the backdating of letters and the production of documents containing falsified metadata through which “Mr. Akkus brought ‘improper influence to bear’ and prevented ‘normal procedures’ within the IWF from occurring”. The Panel further ruled that “the TWF and (potentially) Mr. Akkus himself faced a realistic risk of sanctions being imposed against them by the IWF on account of the TWF’s non-compliance with its anti-doping responsibilities. The Panel is also convinced, and concurs with the Appealed Decision, that Mr. Akkus’ improper actions had the eventual goal to avoid such negative consequences.”
Finally, the Panel found that Mr. Akkus’ “conduct was deceptive and reprehensible, and in any event prone to create severe damage to the federations which had entrusted him with top-level positions and the power to represent them in public.” However, CAS found that Mr Akkus’ behaviour could not be qualified as an anti-doping rule violation for tampering based on a “strict legal interpretation of such rule” and other legal technicalities; more specifically that Mr. Akkus was found to no longer be subject to the IWF Regulations when providing falsified documents to the ITA.
The IWF has now requested the annulment of the CAS decision before the Swiss Federal Tribunal. The ITA will not comment further on this matter until these proceedings conclude.
The National Center for Sports Arbitration rendered a decision against athlete Mkhitaryan Vanik (weightlifting) for violation under cl. 4.1 and cl. 4.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules.
The National Center for Sports Arbitration set aside the decision of RAA RUSADA Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee No. 104/2023 dated June 29, 2023, that made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 2 years, and rendered a decision that made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 4 years, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension and ineligibility.
Mohamed Katir of Spain has admitted an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and been banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for two years, following three Whereabouts Failures in a 12-month period.
On Tuesday this week (13 February 2024), the 25-year-old middle-distance runner returned a signed Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences Form, conceding a violation of Rule 2.4 (Whereabouts Failures by an Athlete in a Registered Testing Pool) of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). Katir admitted to three Whereabouts Failures in 12 months, beginning on 28 February 2023, specifically: a Filing Failure on 28 February 2023; a Missed Test/Filing Failure on 3 April 2023; and a Missed Test/Filing Failure on 10 October 2023. His two-year period of ineligibility will start from the date of his Provisional Suspension and will therefore run from 7 February 2024 until 6 February 2026. All Katir’s results and related awards since 10 October 2023 have been disqualified.
In the wake of Katir’s ban, AIU Head Brett Clothier reiterated the importance of Whereabouts in no-notice, Out-of-Competition (OOC) testing for elite athletes in the AIU ‘s Registered Testing Pool (RTP), especially in an Olympic year when the highest rewards are on the line.
“This is a crucial requirement to which all RTP athletes must adhere. Without accurate Whereabouts information, anti-doping organisations cannot properly execute no-notice, Out-of-Competition testing that is the key to catching anyone who is doping and trying to gain an unfair advantage,” explained Clothier.
“In the lead-up to Paris 2024, to ensure a level playing field, the AIU will execute a comprehensive and intelligence-led Out-of-Competition testing programme on elite athletes worldwide. Whereabouts compliance will be an essential element of this. Elite athletes on the AIU’s RTP are well aware of the importance of Whereabouts requirements and receive ample education about it. There is no excuse for committing three Whereabouts Failures in a 12-month period.”
Details here: https://bit.ly/Katir-Decision
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has issued British Triathlete Louis Walker with a three-year ban from all sport following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Use and Possession of the Prohibited Substance, clenbuterol.
In February 2023, UKAD received intelligence via its confidential reporting initiative ‘Protect Your Sport’ that Mr Walker had been found in possession of a blister pack of Clenoxin tablets containing clenbuterol. Mr Walker admitted to both using and being in possession of clenbuterol during an interview with UKAD on 3 April 2023.
Clenbuterol is listed under Section 1.2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as an Anabolic Agent. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times.
Mr Walker was provisionally suspended by UKAD on 27 September 2023 and subsequently charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations (Use and Possession of a Prohibited Substance) under the UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). Mr Walker responded to UKAD within 20 days of the Charge to admit both violations and accept the sanction. His early admission and acceptance of the sanction allowed his ban to be reduced by one-year.
Affording Mr Walker credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended, his ban from sport is deemed to have commenced on 27 September 2023 and will expire on 26 September 2026.
Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations said: “The use of anabolic agents, like clenbuterol, is cheating and undermines the hard-work and determination of clean athletes.
“This case serves as a reminder of how important it is to report your suspicions of doping. It takes a team to keep sport clean. No matter how small the information may seem, we want to hear it so we can ensure a level playing field for athletes.”
British Triathlon added, “We support UKAD’s decision and thank the person who initially raised their concerns about the athlete. As a national governing body, we are committed to clean sport and encourage anyone with a concern about an athlete to contact UKAD directly.
“Since 2021, British Triathlon has increased the education and training available to elite and amateur athletes. All Home Nation members, and any athlete and their athlete support personnel who is a member of British Triathlon’s affiliate organisations or licensees (including clubs, teams, associations and academies) are bound by the British Triathlon Anti-Doping Rules which are the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
For more information on how to report doping, search: Protect Your Sport.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published its Independent Observer (IO) team report regarding the anti-doping program of the 2023 European Games, which were held in Kraków, Poland, between 21 June and 2 July 2023.
WADA’s IO program is an important element of its compliance monitoring of Major Event Organizations, with IO teams providing an independent review of all aspects of the anti-doping programs as delivered at major events around the globe, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition to publishing this written report after the event, the team was also able to provide real-time feedback during the Games in a positive and collaborative way.
The anti-doping program of the 2023 European Games was operated by the International Testing Agency (ITA) on behalf of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) with support from the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) and the local organizing committee. WADA’s IO team collaborated with the various organizations to help strengthen the program. The team consisted of:
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Stefan Trinks (Germany), Head of Testing, National Anti-Doping Agency Germany (Chair);
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Olympia Karavasili (Greece), WADA Deputy Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships (Vice-Chair and Manager);
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Ivan Ćosić (Croatia), World ParaVolley Athlete Representative and WADA Athlete Council member; and
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Ruta Banyte (Lithuania), Director, Lithuanian Antidoping Agency.
Mr. Trinks said: “It was a privilege to lead WADA’s Independent Observer team for the 2023 European Games in Poland. The team would like to thank and congratulate the European Olympic Committees, the International Testing Agency and the Polish Anti-Doping Agency, who all contributed to the success of the anti-doping program. We would also like to recognize the selfless efforts of the dedicated staff and volunteers who played an integral role in delivering the anti-doping program.”
The IO team observed all aspects of the European Games’ anti-doping program, including:
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Test distribution planning and implementation;
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Recruitment and training of sample collection personnel;
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Athlete selection, notification and sample collection procedures;
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Transport and chain of custody of samples;
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Therapeutic Use Exemption procedures; and
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Results management.
In addition to featuring the strengths of the program, the report also identifies a number of recommendations and best practices to consider for future European Games and other major events.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has published the Arbitral Award rendered by the CAS Panel in the appeal arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/9451 Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) v. Kamila Valieva, CAS 2023/A/9455 International Skating Union (ISU) v. Kamila Valieva, Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), and CAS 2023/A/9456 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) v. Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) & Kamila Valieva).
Following the notification of the Panel’s decision on 29 January 2024, the publication of the unredacted Arbitral Award (131 pages) marks the conclusion of the procedures before the CAS, which started in February 2023, one year after the Winter Olympic Games Beijing 2022, when RUSADA, the ISU and WADA filed their appeals.
The CAS Panel found Ms Valieva (the Athlete) to have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) due to the presence of Trimetazidine (TMZ) in the sample collected from her on 25 December 2021 during the Russian National Championships in St Petersburg, and sanctioned her with a four-year period of ineligibility starting on 25 December 2021. In addition, all competitive results from 25 December 2021 were disqualified. TMZ is a Prohibited Substance belonging to the S.4 hormone and metabolic modulators class; its use in sport is banned at all times as it could potentially help the heart to function better
The CAS award shows that, in her submissions, the Athlete asserted that the prohibited substance entered her body through the consumption of contaminated food shortly before the Russian Championships, i.e. through the consumption of a strawberry dessert prepared by her grandfather on the chopping board where he used to crush his medication (pills) containing TMZ. The CAS Panel determined that this explanation was not corroborated by any concrete evidence and that the Athlete was not able to establish that she had not committed the ADRV intentionally.
From this basis, and according to the relevant rules, the status of “Protected Person”, that the Athlete could enjoy before the CAS ad hoc Division at the time of the Olympic Winter Games 2022, because of her young age and on the basis of the limited evidence which was available at the very beginning of the case, was no longer applicable in her situation. Indeed, the CAS Panel determined that since the Athlete failed to establish that she did not commit ADRV intentionally, and since the “No Significant Fault or Negligence” criterion was not met, there was, consequently, no basis under the rules to treat the Athlete any differently from an adult athlete.
The CAS Panel was not requested to examine the consequences linked to the retroactive disqualification of the Athlete from past events, including from the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.
Chronology of the case:
- On 25 December 2021, the Athlete is the subject of an in-competition doping control conducted by RUSADA at the Russian National Figure Skating Championships in St Petersburg.
- The Athlete’s urine sample is tested at the WADA-accredited laboratory in Stockholm which reports, on 7 February 2022, an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for trimetazidine, a non-specified prohibited substance banned at all times under category S4.4 (Metabolic Modulators) of the 2021 WADA Prohibited List.
- On 7 February 2022, the Athlete competes in the Team Event at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 (the Beijing Winter Olympics) winning a gold medal. The medal ceremony of the event is postponed due to the Athlete’s AAF (and has not yet taken place).
- On 8 February 2022, RUSADA notifies the AAF to the Athlete and imposes a mandatory provisional suspension pursuant to art. 9.4.1 of the RUSADA ADR.
- On 9 February 2022, the RUSADA DADC lifts the mandatory provisional suspension.
- WADA, the International Skating Union (ISU) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appeal the RUSADA DADC decision to lift the provisional suspension before the CAS Ad Hoc Division at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
- On 17 February 2022, the CAS Ad Hoc Division dismisses the appeals.
- On 14 December 2022, the RUSADA DADC renders the Challenged Decision, without the grounds.
- On 24 January 2023 / 26 January 2023, the reasoned Challenged Decision is formally notified to RUSADA, the ISU and WADA.
- On 22 February 2023, CAS registers the statements of appeal filed by RUSADA, ISU and WADA against the Challenged Decision.
- On 18 April 2023, the CAS Panel of arbitrators to decide the appeals was constituted.
- On 27, 28, 29 September 2023 the CAS hearing commenced. It was then adjourned until 9 and 10 November 2023.
- On 29 January 2024 the CAS Panel’s decision was notified to the parties.
- On 7 February 2024, the full Arbitral Award was published on the CAS website, here: www.tascas.org/en/jurisprudence/recent-decisions
USADA announced today that Nathan Lugo, of Marietta, Ga., an athlete in the sport of boxing, has accepted a one-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.
Lugo, 19, tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a urinary metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, above the urinary Decision Limit, as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the 2023 USA Boxing National Championships on December 9, 2023. Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Federation anti-doping rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
In the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA.
Lugo’s period of ineligibility was reduced to one month because his use of cannabis occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, and because he successfully completed a substance of abuse treatment program regarding his use of cannabis. Lugo’s positive test was caused by oral ingestion of a gummy listing delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, on the label. Athletes are reminded that all substances and products containing synthetic and/or natural tetrahydrocannabinols, including but not limited to delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, are prohibited in-competition. Further, the US FDA has specific consumer warnings on delta-8 THC products as they have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.
Lugo’s one-month period of ineligibility is the minimum allowed under the rules and began on February 5, 2024, the date he accepted the sanction. In addition, Lugo has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on December 9, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
WADA seeks input on each year’s updated version of the Prohibited List. USADA has advocated and will continue to advocate to WADA, the rule maker, to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms that the hearing in the arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/10025 Simona Halep v. International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and CAS 2023/A/10227 International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) v. Simona Halep will take place on 7, 8 and 9 February 2024 at the CAS Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The parties, witnesses and experts will attend the hearing both in person and remotely, including Ms Halep who will be present in person. The hearing will take place behind closed doors since none of the parties requested a public hearing.
The CAS Panel and parties to the proceedings have established a detailed hearing timetable. The hearing will begin on 7 February 2024 at 9:30am with the parties’ opening submissions, followed by the testimony of the fact and expert witnesses. The oral closing submissions will take place on the last day. The conclusion of the hearing should be at around 3:30pm on 9 February 2024.
The CAS Panel appointed to hear this matter is composed of The Hon. Annabelle Bennett (Australia), President, Mr Jeffrey G. Benz (USA) and Prof. Ulrich Haas (Germany).
At the parties’ request, no further information will be given with respect to the identity of the participants (representatives, experts and witnesses). Ms Halep will not make any statement to the media before the end of the hearing.
Following the hearing, the CAS Panel will deliberate and prepare the Arbitral Award containing its decision and grounds. At this juncture, no indication can be given as to when the final Arbitral Award will be notified to the Parties.
ENSURING ATHLETES AND THEIR ENTOURAGE ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE TO SAFEGUARD THEMSELVES AGAINST DOPING IS PARAMOUNT. THE NOC CLEAN SPORT EDUCATION GUIDE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 IS A RESOURCE CRAFTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (WADA). IT HELPS NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES (NOCS) PARTICIPATING IN THE UPCOMING OLYMPIC GAMES TO PROVIDE CLEAN SPORT EDUCATION FOR THEIR ATHLETES AND ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSONNEL (ASP) IN PREPARATION FOR THE EVENT.
NOCs have a specific responsibility around Major Events to educate athletes selected to participate in the Games and their ASP, in cooperation with the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) and National Federations (NFs).
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NOC CLEAN SPORT EDUCATION GUIDE: A RESOURCE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024
The WADA International Standard for Education promotes the principle that athletes and their ASP should be educated prior to arriving at a Major Games or event. Consistent clean sport education being imperative throughout an athlete’s career, the ITA’s NOC Clean Sport Education Guide for Paris 2024 supports this endeavour in the lead-up to the Games to educate and protect them. This is highlighted by Benjamin Cohen, ITA Director General: “Providing education resources and activities prior to the Games is an additional measure to ensure the well-being of all athletes involved, raise awareness of doping control procedures and provide a solid foundation for fair play for Paris 2024. We thank the IOC and WADA for their valuable support in this initiative and trust that the NOCs will find this guide useful in their preparation efforts.”
“As the body charged with delivering an independent anti-doping program in Paris on behalf of the IOC, it is imperative that we uphold the integrity of the event, not just through testing, but in all facets of clean sport.”
The guide was designed specifically for NOCs but is available to all organisations to support the principle that an athlete’s first experience with anti-doping should be through education rather than doping control.
Collaboration and cooperation are vital for clean sport and the ITA would like to thank Anti-Doping Denmark (ADD), the Azerbaijan National Antidoping Agency (AMADA), the Doping Authority Netherlands (Dopingautoriteit), Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ), the Slovenia Anti-Doping Organisation (SLOADO), NADA Germany, the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) and the Southeast Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (SEARADO) for their contributions to the Guidebook.
The ITA has also collaborated with WADA and the IOC to prepare a dedicated online education course for athletes and coaches aiming to attend the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The course is available on WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) and was launched in October 2023. The ITA also continues to offer all athletes, ASP, coaches and anyone interested freely accessible monthly webinars on various clean sport topics. A dedicated edition on the Paris 2024 anti-doping program will be held on 30 May 2024, the registration is already open and available here. The archive of previous editions of the webinars can be found here.
For any questions related to the ITA Paris 2024 NOC Clean Sport Education Guide or clean sport education, please contact our education team – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WADA welcomes the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold its appeal and impose a four-year period of ineligibility on the Russian Olympic Committee figure skater, Kamila Valieva, as well as disqualify her results from the date of the sample collection on 25 December 2021, including all her results during the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. WADA took this appeal to CAS in the interests of fairness for athletes and clean sport and we believe that has been delivered through this decision.
The doping of children is unforgivable. Doctors, coaches or other support personnel who are found to have provided performance-enhancing substances to minors should face the full force of the World Anti-Doping Code. Indeed, WADA encourages governments to consider passing legislation – as some have done already – making the doping of minors a criminal offence.
On 24 January 2024, WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations Department published the report from ‘Operation Refuge’, a broad analysis and examination of doping among minors in sport. The report describes in detail the deep trauma and isolation many child athletes experience following a positive doping test. The report recommends that a greater emphasis be placed on education and the provision of specific policies and procedures for dealing with minors.
WADA understands the frustration of the affected parties in relation to the time it took to complete this case. Indeed, WADA shared those frustrations, which is why, at every stage of the process, including during the first instance proceedings in Russia, WADA pushed hard for a timely resolution.
Note: The impact that this disqualification of results will have on the outcome of the team figure skating competition at Beijing 2022 is a matter for the International Skating Union and the International Olympic Committee.
USADA announced today that Katelyn Kirby, of Johnstown, Colo., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a three-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive for and admitting the use of prohibited substances.
Kirby, 36, tested positive for a prohibited anabolic agent and its metabolites of synthetic origin as the result of a urine sample collected at the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Championships on June 30, 2023. Based on abnormal Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) markers, her urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin.
After investigating, USADA determined that Kirby was using testosterone under the direction of a physician, but she lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why criteria must be fulfilled beyond merely providing a prescription. Additionally, Kirby admitted to using oxandrolone for which she had no documented medical need in the final months of 2022.
Both testosterone and oxandrolone are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Under Article 10.8.1 of the Code, an athlete who faces an anti-doping rule violation that carries a period of ineligibility of four or more years may receive a one-year sanction reduction if the athlete admits the violation and accepts the asserted sanction within 20 days of notification of the alleged anti-doping rule violation charge. Per the rule, Kirby qualified for a one-year reduction to the otherwise applicable four-year period of ineligibility.
Kirby’s three-year period of ineligibility began on October 20, 2023, the date her provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Kirby has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to June 30, 2023, the date her positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to uphold the decision rendered by the World Rugby Independent Judicial Committee and impose a four-year ban on athlete Kristian Jensen for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
Mr Jensen returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 28 November 2021 in Dubai (UAE). At the time, Mr Jensen was in Dubai to compete in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with the Australian Men’s Rugby Sevens team.
Mr Jensen’s sample was analysed at the Laboratoire Suisse d’Analyse du Dopage in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the presence of trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl-methoxypyrrolidinyl-2-trifluoromethyl-bezonitrile (metabolite of LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)) was detected.
The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is listed under Class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) under the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List – 2021 (Prohibited List 2021). The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a Non-Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.
Mr Jensen’s four-year ban commenced on 22 December 2021.
Mr Jensen is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 22 December 2025. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league, or Event organised by a non-Signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level Event organisation.
THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT PERU LACROSSE PLAYER JAMES ALEXANDER BURLESON-PORRAS WAS SANCTIONED WITH A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.
The ITA confirms that a sample collected in-competition from James Alexander Burleson-Porras at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship 2023 in San Diego, California (USA), returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for the prohibited substances cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine.
The athlete established that he had consumed the prohibited substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance. The athlete’s sanction was thus lowered to three months insofar as he meets the requirements of the mitigation regime of “Substance of Abuse” set forth in Article 10.2.4.1 of the World Lacrosse Anti-Doping Rules.¹
The athlete was declared ineligible from 6 September 2023 (date of the notification of the AAF) to 5 December 2023. The athlete’s individual results from 26 June 2023 (date of the sample collection) onwards, including all individual results obtained at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship 2023, have also been disqualified.
The prosecution of the matter was handled by the ITA on behalf of World Lacrosse.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Ursaki Zinaida (powerlifting) ineligible for 4 years for violation under cl. 4.1 and cl. 4.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on December 20, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from November 9, 2023.
USADA announced today that Roderick Townsend of Glendale, Ariz., an athlete in the sport of para track and field, has returned an adverse analytical finding for a prohibited substance that was not specifically listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. After an investigation, USADA determined that the athlete was exposed to this substance through no fault of his own. Townsend will therefore not face a period of ineligibility for his out-of-competition test, but under the World Anti-Doping Code, his no fault violation must be publicly disclosed.
“With increasing detection and investigation capabilities, it’s our responsibility to ensure that we protect innocent athletes while holding accountable intentional cheaters,” said Travis T. Tygart, Chief Executive Officer of USADA. “WADA rules require publication of no fault findings such as this to remain compliant with the rules. We will continue to fervently advocate to WADA that athletes shouldn’t be charged with violations or subjected to public scrutiny when they inadvertently come into contact with a prohibited substance and there is no effect on performance.”
Townsend, 31, tested positive for capromorelin as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample he provided on November 1, 2023. Capromorelin, although not specifically listed on the 2023 WADA Prohibited List, is considered by WADA to be a Non-Specified Substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. It is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List. Following USADA’s feedback during the annual List consultation process, Capromorelin is now specifically named on the 2024 WADA Prohibited List that came into effect Jan 1, 2024.
During USADA’s investigation into his case, Townsend provided USADA with records of a prescription liquid pet medication containing capromorelin, an appetite stimulant that had been prescribed by a veterinarian to maintain his ailing dog’s weight. He administered the medication to his dog orally via syringe each day during the final weeks of his pet’s life. After his dog unfortunately passed away, Townsend stored the syringe he used to administer the medication. He later used the syringe, which did not contain any obvious residue, to measure out and orally administer a liquid vitamin D supplement recommended by his nutritionist.
Through its investigation, USADA determined that Townsend, through no fault of his own, inadvertently ingested capromorelin residue that was present in the syringe. Administration data from a peer-reviewed published study confirms that exceedingly small amounts of orally-ingested capromorelin can cause a positive test consistent with the miniscule levels detected in Townsend’s sample. Therefore, because Townsend tested positive despite any fault or negligence, he will not face a period of ineligibility. Since the sample was collected out-of-competition, there are no competitive results to disqualify.
Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of the Australian Weightlifting Federation to impose a 12-year ban on athlete Andrew Ciancio for the Presence of a metabolite of a Prohibited Substance and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
Mr Ciancio, an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 5 September 2022.
Mr Ciancio’s sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, and the presence of 3α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-5α-androstan-17-one (metabolite of Drostanolone) was detected.
The substance Drostanolone is listed under Class S1.1 Anabolic Agents (Anabolic Androgenic Steroids) under the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List – 2022 (Prohibited List 2022). The substance Drostanolone is a Non-Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.
It was determined that on and/or before 5 September 2022 Mr Ciancio Used a Prohibited Substance, namely Drostanolone.
Mr Ciancio’s Anti-Doping Rule Violations in relation to his doping control test on 5 September 2022 were considered his ‘second violation’ within a ten-year period.
The Australian Weightlifting Federation thereby imposed a 12-year ban on Mr Ciancio commencing on 5 September 2022.
Mr Ciancio is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 5 September 2034. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league or Event organised by a non-Signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level event organisation.
Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Pilyasova Ekaterina (bodybuilding) ineligible for 3 years for violation under cl. 4.3 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on December 14, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from October 23, 2023.
The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.
In this case, the horse Ashva Psyche (FEI ID 107YL76/URU), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CEI2*120 Costa Azul, Canelones (URU) 04-05 November 2023.
The athlete, Teresa Sanchez (FEI ID 10094966/URU), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the athlete; the provisional suspension she already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. She was also fined CHF 5,000 and all results from the event were disqualified.
The full Decision is available here.
USADA announced today that Tyler Sundeen, of Simi Valley, Calif., an athlete in the sport of field hockey, has accepted a six-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Sundeen, 30, tested positive for ritalinic acid, a methylphenidate metabolite, as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the Cal Cup Tournament on May 27, 2023. He also declared the use of this substance during sample collection. Methylphenidate is a Specified Substance in the class of stimulants and is prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Hockey Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Sundeen was taking methylphenidate at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, Sundeen lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and his subsequent application for a retroactive and prospective TUE, reviewed by the independent USADA TUE Committee of expert physicians, was denied due to lack of sufficient medical justification. Under the applicable rules, Sundeen was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.
Sundeen’s six-month period of ineligibility began on June 16, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. Sundeen has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to May 27, 2023 including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
Agency calls on athletes, entourage, and all stakeholders to note major modification concerning tramadol
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind stakeholders that the 2024 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) and the 2024 Monitoring Program enter into force today (1 January 2024). The 2024 List was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) during its meeting on 22 September 2023 and was first published on 28 September 2023.
The List is one of the eight International Standards that are mandatory for all Signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.
Major Modifications for 2024
All Major Modifications for 2024 are outlined in the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, including the following particular information regarding tramadol:
On 23 September 2022, the ExCo endorsed the recommendation by WADA’s List Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to prohibit the narcotic tramadol in competition, effective 1 January 2024. The delay in implementation was to ensure stakeholders had enough time to learn and adapt to this change, especially as it pertained to the education of athletes, their entourage, and medical personnel.
Tramadol has been on WADA’s Monitoring Program and data gathered through that program have indicated significant use in sports. Tramadol abuse, with its risk of physical dependence, opiate use disorder and overdoses, is of concern worldwide and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries. Research studies funded by WADA, as referenced in the Explanatory Note, have also confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance sports performance.
Annual List Review Process
WADA leads an annual revision process concerning the List, beginning with an initial meeting in January and concluding with the publication of the List by 1 October. This is an extensive consultation process that includes WADA’s List EAG gathering information, including the latest scientific and medical research, trends, and intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies; circulating a draft List among stakeholders; and, taking their submissions into consideration to revise the draft, followed by review by the Agency’s Health, Medical and Research (HMR) Committee. The HMR Committee then makes its recommendations to WADA’s ExCo, which approves the List during its September meeting.
For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria:
- It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance
- It represents an actual or potential health risk to athletes
- It violates the spirit of sport
The full 2024 List was published on 28 September 2023, giving more than three months’ notice to athletes, their entourage, and other stakeholders, enabling them to acquaint themselves with any modifications. Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their bodies and prohibited methods found to have been used. Athletes’ entourages are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit. Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organizations (International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization) for advice.
Therapeutic Use Exemption Program
It should be noted that for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport which has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians, and anti-doping stakeholders.
Educational Resources
In addition to the documents linked above, WADA has provided, or will provide, a number of educational resources as part of its Code Implementation Support Program (CISP). These resources can be accessed through the links below and on the Agency’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) and include:
Languages and Formats
The 2024 List, the 2024 Summary of Modifications and Explanatory Notes, and the 2024 Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA’s website in English, French, and Spanish. The list is also available in Arabic, German, Greek, Portuguese, and Turkish.
Stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages are kindly asked to signal their interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. WADA will then provide the necessary files and, once the translation is finalized, will make the translated List available on the Agency’s website.
The List’s mobile-friendly digital edition is now available.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms an independent tribunal has determined that tennis players Tara Moore and Barbara Gatica bore No Fault or Negligence for their Adverse Analytical Findings and are therefore not subject to a period of ineligibility.
Moore and Gatica were provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) on 27 May 2022 and 17 June 2022 respectively, having tested positive for anabolic steroid boldenone (and nandrolone in the case of Moore) in Bogotá, Colombia in April 2022.
A hearing was convened remotely by Sport Resolutions on 14 and 15 December 2023, following which the independent tribunal determined that contaminated meat consumed by each player in the days before sample collection was the source of the prohibited substance(s) found in the players' samples and, therefore, that both players bore No Fault or Negligence for their violations.
Accordingly, no period of ineligibility was imposed on either player, and the provisional suspensions imposed on each player under the TADP have been immediately lifted - although Gatica remains suspended from tennis due to separate Tennis Anti-Corruption Program offenses.
The ITIA has issued, and will continue to issue, information concerning the risks of meat contamination in certain parts of the world to all players.
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FIFA’s annual Anti-Doping Report highlights commitment to clean football
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FIFA’s anti-doping efforts in 2023 focused on the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, with 30% increase in total number of tests per team
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Expanded testing capacities and educational support among all football confederations
FIFA published its Anti-Doping Report 2023 today, which covers FIFA’s efforts in the area from 1 January to 31 December 2023.
The report provides a quantitative overview of the testing procedures, while including further information about educational activities and further anti-doping support.
In 2023, the anti-doping programme mainly focused on the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, which saw an unprecedented increase in the number of tests carried out per participating team, with the 860 in- and out-of-competition tests conducted.
FIFA also expanded its testing capacities into the 2023 editions of the FIFA youth tournaments (the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ and the FIFA U-20 World Cup™), by stepping up out-of-competition doping control testing and introducing dry-blood spot testing also at the youth level.
Over the full year, FIFA’s testing efforts concluded in a total of 1,592 doping control tests across seven competitions, amounting to a total of 2,616 samples collected and which were analysed by 13 laboratories worldwide accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Out of the samples collected, only one resulted in an adverse analytical finding, justified by a valid therapeutic use exemption.
Another key aspect of FIFA’s anti-doping programme was the collaboration with all the confederations through workshops and educational initiatives to enhance the anti-doping measures at their respective tournaments.
A particularly noteworthy example of this assistance is that FIFA signed a new agreement with Concacaf in 2023 to expand its programme. This has already resulted in eight times more doping control tests across Concacaf competitions compared to 2022. Through its ongoing collaboration with National Anti-Doping Organizations, FIFA provided additional educational support and enhanced local anti-doping infrastructure.
Anti-doping is one of FIFA’s central pillars to ensure that the game of football remains about sporting excellence, passion and team spirit.
Click HERE to download the full report.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued the operative part of its decision in the appeal arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/10025 Simona Halep v. International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and CAS 2023/A/10227 International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) v. Simona Halep:
The appeal procedures before the CAS concerned two separate charges:
1. a charge which arose from a prohibited substance (Roxadustat) being detected in a urine sample collected from Simona Halep on 29 August 2022 during the US Open; and
2. a charge that Ms Halep’s Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), in particular a blood sample given by Ms Halep on 22 September 2022, established use of a prohibited substance and/or prohibited method.
In its decision dated 22 September 2023, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Independent Tribunal found Ms Halep guilty of both Anti-doping Rule Violations (ADRV) and imposed a four-year period of ineligibility on her.
In the appeal filed by Simona Halep at the CAS against the first instance Decision, Ms Halep requested that the sanction be reduced and be no longer than the period of the provisional suspension already served. In its separate appeal, the ITIA requested that the CAS sanction Ms Halep’s ADRVs together as one single violation based on the violation that carried the most severe sanction, and the imposition of a period of ineligibility of between four and six years.
The CAS appeal arbitration proceedings involved intensive pre-hearing processes and a three-day hearing which took place on 7-9 February 2024 in Lausanne, Switzerland. The CAS Panel heard from many lay and expert witnesses, most of whom were present in person at the hearing.
The CAS Panel has unanimously determined that the four-year period of ineligibility imposed by the ITF Independent Tribunal is to be reduced to a period of ineligibility of nine (9) months starting on 7 October 2022, which period expired on 6 July 2023. As that period expired before the appeal procedures were even lodged with the CAS, the CAS Panel has determined it appropriate to issue the operative part of the Arbitral Award as soon as practicable, together with a comprehensive media release.
The CAS Panel has also ordered the disqualification of all competitive results achieved by Ms. Halep from 29 August 2022 (the date of her positive sample) to 7 October 2022, including forfeiture of any medals, titles, ranking points and prize money. Therefore, the appeal filed by the ITIA is dismissed and the appeal filed by Simona Halep is partially upheld (her request to backdate the start of the suspension on 29 August 2022 is dismissed).
Roxadustat charge
According to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (“TADP”), it is each player’s personal duty to ensure that no prohibited substance enters their body and players are responsible for any prohibited substances found to be present in their samples.
In this matter, a prohibited substance (i.e. Roxadustat) was found to be present in a sample collected from Ms. Halep on 29 August 2022 during the US Open. Ms. Halep did not contest liability in that she accepted that, by reasons of the presence of Roxadustat in her sample, she had committed anti-doping rule violations under Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the TADP. However, she objected to the intentional nature of the infraction and argued that the positive test was the result of contamination.
Having carefully considered all the evidence put before it, the CAS Panel determined that Ms. Halep had established, on the balance of probabilities, that the Roxadustat entered her body through the consumption of a contaminated supplement which she had used in the days shortly before 29 August 2022 and that the Roxadustat, as detected in her sample, came from that contaminated product. As a result, the CAS Panel determined that Ms. Halep had also established, on the balance of probabilities, that her anti-doping rule violations were not intentional.
Although the CAS Panel found that Ms. Halep did bear some level of fault or negligence for her violations, as she did not exercise sufficient care when using the Keto MCT supplement, it concluded that she bore no significant fault or negligence.
Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) charge
With respect to the charge concerning Ms. Halep’s ABP, the ITIA bore the onus of establishing (to the standard of comfortable satisfaction) that Ms. Halep had used a prohibited substance and/or prohibited method. It primarily relied on a blood sample given by Ms. Halep on 22 September 2022, the results of which it alleged demonstrated the anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.2 of the TADP.
Contrary to the reasoning of the first instance tribunal, the CAS Panel determined that it was appropriate in the circumstances to consider the results of a private blood sample given by Ms. Halep on 9 September 2022 in the context of a surgery which occurred shortly thereafter. Those results, and Ms. Halep’s public statements that she did not intend to compete for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year, impacted the plausibility of the doping scenarios relied upon by the ITF Independent Tribunal. Having regard to the evidence as a whole, the CAS Panel was not comfortably satisfied that an anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.2. of the TADP had occurred. It therefore dismissed that charge.
Orders
The CAS Panel has issued the following decision:
1. The appeal filed by Simona Halep on 28 September 2023 against the decision issued on 22 September 2023 by the ITF Independent Tribunal is admissible and is partially upheld.
2. The appeal filed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on 14 December 2023 against the decision issued on 22 September 2023 by the ITF Independent Tribunal is admissible and is dismissed.
3. The decision issued on 22 September 2023 by the ITF Independent Tribunal is set aside.
4. Simona Halep is found to have committed Anti-Doping Rule Violations under Articles 2.1 (presence) and 2.2 (use) of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme 2022 as a result of the presence of a Prohibited Substance (Roxadustat) in her urine sample collected In-Competition on 29 August 2022.
5. Simona Halep is sanctioned with a period of Ineligibility of nine (9) months, commencing on 7 October 2022.
6. Credit is given to Simona Halep for her provisional suspension served since 7 October 2022.
7. All results obtained by Simona Halep in competitions taking place in the period 29 August 2022 to 7 October 2022 are disqualified, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, titles, ranking points and prize money.
8. The award is pronounced without costs, except for the Court Office fees of CHF 1,000 (one thousand Swiss francs) paid by each of Simona Halep in respect of her appeal and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in respect of its appeal, which is retained by the CAS.
9. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is ordered to pay Simona Halep an amount of CHF 20,000 (twenty thousand Swiss francs) as a contribution towards her legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with these arbitration proceedings.
The reasoned award will be notified to the parties in due course. It will be published by CAS unless the parties request confidentiality.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that American tennis player Casey Kania has been suspended for two years following a breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).
On 10 August 2023, at an ATP Challenger tournament in Cary, United States of America, 21-year-old Kania provided an in-competition urine sample, which contained cannabis (Carboxy-THC). Cannabis is a cannabinoid banned in competition under section S8 of the WADA Prohibited List. Kania, who reached a career-high world doubles ranking of 1317 in August 2023, did not possess a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance.
On 7 November 2023, following laboratory analysis of the B sample, which confirmed the presence of cannabis, Kania was charged with the commission of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under articles 2.1 and/or 2.2 of the TADP.
The ITIA accepted that Kania did not intentionally breach the provisions of the TADP, but the player was unable to demonstrate that they bore No Fault or Negligence for their violation. Therefore, a two-year period of ineligibility (rather than a four-year sanction for an intentional violation) was imposed, as set out in TADP article 10.2.2.
As such, Kania’s two-year period of ineligibility begins on 2 February 2024, the date that the decision was issued, and ends on 1 February 2026. The player’s results, ranking points and prize money obtained at the Cary Challenger and in subsequent events are also disqualified.
In accordance with TADP Article 10.14, during the period of ineligibility, the player is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA).
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has confirmed that Rugby League player Adam Rusling received a three-month ban from all sport following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence of Prohibited Substances cocaine and MDMA in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport.
On 18 June 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Rusling at a game between Hunslet RLFC and Cornwall RLFC. Analysis of Mr Rusling’s urine Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, and MDMA (‘ecstasy’) and its metabolite, tenamfetamine.
Cocaine and MDMA are listed under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as non-Specified stimulants and are prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies both substances as ‘Substances of Abuse’.
The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs relating to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance.
The ADR further require that a mandatory provisional suspension is imposed when notifying an Athlete that a non-Specified Prohibited Substance (such as cocaine or MDMA) has been detected in their Sample. Therefore, Mr Rusling was notified of his AAFs and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 2 August 2023. In the player’s responses, he admitted taking cocaine and MDMA, stating he had taken both substances Out-of-Competition during the evening of 16 June 2023.
UKAD investigated the player’s responses, including instructing an independent scientific expert to examine the plausibility of the player’s explanation. Upon concluding its investigations, UKAD charged Mr Rusling on 12 December 2023 with the commission of ADRVs for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample. The player accepted the charges and a three-month period of Ineligibility.
The ADR provide that Mr Rusling be afforded credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended (since 2 August 2023). In this case, Mr Rusling’s ban is therefore deemed fully served by virtue of his Provisional Suspension lasting in excess of three months. UKAD shares the outcome of this case today, following the expiry of the appeal deadline.
Mr Rusling’s case follows three recent published Rugby League cases, all involving cocaine. While shorter bans may be available for cocaine and other recreational drugs designated ‘Substance(s) of Abuse’, UKAD’s Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey warns about the impact these substances have on an athlete’s health and welfare:
“Stimulants such as cocaine and MDMA are harmful and addictive, and illegal in the UK. Athletes and their loved ones can have their lives impacted by ‘recreational drugs’, so it’s simply not worth the risk to their health or reputation in sport. The anti-doping rules are in place to keep athletes safe and to maintain a fair sport. We welcome the work sports like Rugby League, in conjunction with Rugby League Cares, are doing to tackle the use of recreational drugs among players, which includes awareness, education and support for those affected.”
The Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, the sport’s independent charity which leads on player welfare, added:
“Rugby League supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition, and in this case specifically the Substance of Abuse programme following positive tests for recreational drugs – supporting players in recognising the dangers of substance misuse, and explaining the range of options for ongoing support – which in Rugby League is led by RL Cares.”
The National Center for Sports Arbitration rendered a decision against athlete Mkhitaryan David (weightlifting) for violation under cl. 4.1 and cl. 4.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules.
The National Center for Sports Arbitration set aside the decision of RAA RUSADA Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee No. 105/2023 dated June 29, 2023, that made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 2 years, and rendered a decision that made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 4 years, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension and ineligibility.
The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.
In this case, the horse Ashva Psyche (FEI ID 107YL76/URU), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CEI2*120 Costa Azul, Canelones (URU) 04-05 November 2023.
The trainer, Leandro Zubiaurre (FEI ID 10018848/URU), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision, the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the trainer; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 5,000.
The full Decision is available here.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that an agreement has been reached with American player Jenson Brooksby, which sees their period of ineligibility reduced to 13 months.
In October 2023, Brooksby - who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 33 in 2022 - was issued an 18-month suspension by an independent tribunal for missing three anti-doping tests in a 12-month period. However, new information relating to the circumstances giving rise to the missed tests - which had not previously been available to the ITIA or the independent tribunal during the initial hearing - was submitted as part of the player’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal proceedings.
On the basis of a detailed review of the new information, the ITIA, in consultation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), determined that the player’s degree of fault for the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) should be reassessed.
Following reassessment, the ITIA, WADA, and the player’s representatives agreed that Brooksby’s fault for the ADRV was not as high as previously found by the independent tribunal, and a 13-month sanction was appropriate. The sanction will be backdated to the date of the player’s third and final missed test. As such, Brooksby’s suspension is deemed to have begun on 4 February 2023, and will end on 3 March 2024. In reaching an agreement with the ITIA, the player has withdrawn their appeal to CAS.
Due to the nature of the new information disclosed, it is not possible for the ITIA to discuss the specific details behind the reassessment or offer further comment.
Published Tuesday, 13 February 2024.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that Mitchell McKay, a softball athlete, received an 18-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. The athlete’s urine sample, collected in-competition on August 2, 2023, revealed the presence of pseudoephedrine, a prohibited specified stimulant.
In response to the CCES’s notification of the adverse analytical finding, the athlete signed an Agreement on Consequences thereby waiving their right to a hearing and accepting the proposed sanction and all other applicable consequences. Because the athlete accepted a voluntary provisional suspension on September 7, 2023, the sanction ends on March 6, 2025.
During the sanction period, the athlete is ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), including training with teammates.
In compliance with rule 8.4 of the CADP, the CCES’s file outcome summary can be found in the Canadian Sport Sanction Registry.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has banned Para swimming athlete Worawut Marnnok for a period of two years for committing an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), in breach of the IPC Anti-Doping Code (Code).
The Thailand athlete returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for two Prohibited Substances in a urine sample provided in-competition on 3 August 2022 at the 11th ASEAN Para Games 2022 in Solo, Indonesia. The test was conducted by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) in its role as the Major Event Organisation for the 11th ASEAN Para Games.
The substances were chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide. The substances are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List under the class S5 (Diuretics and Masking Agents). They are both Specified Substances for the purposes of the Code.
The APC had initial results management authority for the athlete’s case, pursuant to the APC’s anti-doping rules, in relation to determining whether the athlete had committed an ADRV and the disqualification of any results from the 11th ASEAN Para Games.
The athlete was provisionally suspended by the APC on 29 September 2022 pending a resolution of his case.
On 31 March 2023, the APC issued a reasoned decision confirming that the athlete had committed an ADRV and disqualifying the athlete’s results from his competition at the 11th ASEAN Para Games, together with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of all related medals, points and prizes.
Following this, the matter was transferred to the IPC as the international federation for the athlete’s sport (Para swimming) – to determine any further applicable consequences for the athlete, including any period of ineligibility as per the terms of the Code.
The athlete accepted the consequences proposed by the IPC in resolution of his case. As a result of his violation, the athlete will be ineligible for competition and other sporting activities (other than authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes) for two years from 29 September 2022 to 28 September 2024.
All results obtained by the athlete from the date the athlete’s sample was collected (3 August 2022) until the commencement of the Provisional Suspension (29 September 2022) were disqualified, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in their sample. An ADRV occurs whenever a prohibited substance (or its metabolites or markers) is found in their bodily specimen, whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.
As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (the WADC), the IPC remains committed to a doping-free sporting environment at all levels. The IPC has established the IPC Anti-Doping Code in compliance with the general principles of the WADC, including the WADC International Standards, expecting that, in the spirit of sport, it will lead the fight against doping in sport for athletes with an impairment.
The ITA, on behalf of IRONMAN, hereby reports that Brazil athlete Derik Felix Afornali has committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) under article 2.1 of the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Rules (IRONMAN ADR) for the presence of clomifene in a sample collected out-of-competition by IRONMAN on 4 October 2022.
The sample collected from Derik Felix Afornali returned an adverse analytical finding for the specified prohibited substance clomifene. Clomifene is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List as hormone and metabolic modulator (S4.2). Clomifene has the potential effects of boosting or restoring testosterone production and thus increasing muscle mass.
Derik Felix Afornali did not challenge the ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA. A two year period of ineligibility is the standard sanction for specified substances. Accordingly, this case was resolved via an acceptance of consequences pursuant to article 8.3.1 of the IRONMAN ADR. The athlete’s period of ineligibility across all sports ran until 3 October 2024 and any competition results obtained by the athlete after the positive test of 4 October 2022 are disqualified.
USADA announced today that Frank Travieso, of Athens, Ga., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a six-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
Travieso, 43, tested positive for ephedrine at a concentration greater than the threshold of 10 micrograms per milliliter as the result of a urine sample collected at the Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup on September 3, 2023. Ephedrine is a Specified Substance in the class of Stimulants and is prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Travieso was using a medication containing ephedrine, which he obtained over the counter at the direction of a physician, but he lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Upon review, Travieso did not qualify for a retroactive TUE.
Travieso’s six-month period of ineligibility began on September 21, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Travieso has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to September 3, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
USADA announced today that Christian DesChamps, of Cypress, Texas, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 14-month sanction for committing three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period.
“Providing accurate and timely Whereabouts information can be a chore for athletes, but it’s an incredibly important one that helps ensure they can compete on a level playing field,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “Whereabouts information enables the no advance notice, out-of-competition testing necessary to detect prohibited substances with short detection windows and this is critical to keeping dopers on the sideline.”
At the time of the Whereabouts Failures, DesChamps, 19, was a member of the USADA Registered Testing Pool (RTP), which consists of a select group of elite athletes subject to certain Whereabouts requirements to be located for out-of-competition testing. Within a 4-month period, DesChamps accrued three Whereabouts Failures, the first for a Filing Failure on March 26, 2023; the second for a Filing Failure on July 1, 2023; and the third for a Filing Failure on July 17, 2023. Shortly after committing his third Whereabouts Failure, DesChamps submitted his official retirement notice on July 25, 2023.
The accumulation of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period constitutes a rule violation under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code. The period of ineligibility for Whereabouts rule violations ranges from one year to two years depending on the athlete’s degree of fault. In this case, USADA determined that a 14-month period of ineligibility was appropriate because DesChamps’s degree of fault was relatively low given the unique personal circumstances of the case.
DesChamps’s 14-month period of ineligibility began on January 24, 2024, the date he returned from retirement. In addition, DesChamps has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to July 17, 2023, the date of his third Whereabouts Failure in a 12-month period, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the appeal arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/9451 Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) v. Kamila Valieva, CAS 2023/A/9455 International Skating Union (ISU) v. Kamila Valieva, Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), and CAS 2023/A/9456 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) v. Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) & Kamila Valieva):
- The decision taken by the Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency No. 9/2023 on 24 January 2023 in relation to Ms Kamila Valieva is set aside.
- Ms Valieva is found to have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under Clause 4.1 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules of 24 June 2021 (the Russian ADR).
- A period of four (4) years ineligibility is imposed on Ms Valieva, starting on 25 December 2021.
- All competitive results of Ms Valieva from 25 December 2021 are disqualified, with all the resulting consequences (including forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, profits, prizes, and appearance money).
According to Clause 4.1 of the Russian ADR, athletes are responsible for any Prohibited Substance found to be present in their samples and the presence of any prohibited substance amounts to an ADRV. In this matter, a prohibited substance, Trimetazidine (TMZ), was found to be present in the sample collected from Ms Valieva on 25 December 2021 during the Russian National Championships in St Petersburg, Ms Valieva did not contest liability in that she accepted that, by reason of the presence of a TMZ in her sample, she had committed an ADRV under Clause 4.1 of the Russian ADR
It was therefore a matter for the CAS Panel to consider what sanctions, if any, should be imposed on Ms Valieva pursuant to the Russian ADR, bearing in mind that, in the absence of grounds for elimination, reduction or suspension, the Russian ADR provide for a four-year period of ineligibility. In order to benefit from a reduced period of ineligibility, Ms Valieva needed to prove, by a balance of probabilities that she had not intentionally committed the ADRV by engaging in conduct which she knew constituted an ADRV or in conduct where she knew that there was a significant risk that said conduct might constitute or result in an ADRV and had manifestly disregarded that risk. Having carefully considered all the evidence put before it, the CAS Panel concluded that Ms Valieva was not able to establish, on the balance of probabilities and on the basis of the evidence before the Panel, that she had not committed the ADRV intentionally (within the meaning of the Russian ADR).
The CAS Panel stressed that the test with respect to intention under Clause 12.2 of the Russian ADR is one and the same whether the athlete is an adult or a Protected Person. It means that if a Protected Person fails to discharge the burden (which under the Russian ADR is borne by the athlete) that he or she did not commit ADRV intentionally, there is no basis under the rules to treat them any differently from an adult athlete. Accordingly, since it was determined that there was no scope for the exercise of discretion to reduce the period of ineligibility, a four-year period of ineligibility was imposed by the Panel.
The period of ineligibility starts on 25 December 2021 and any period of provisional suspension served by Ms Valieva is to be credited against that period of ineligibility. The CAS Panel also ordered the disqualification all competitive results achieved by Ms Valieva from 25 December 2021, with all the resulting consequences (including forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, profits, prizes, and appearance money).
The consequences linked to the retroactive disqualification of Ms Valieva from past events, including from the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, were not within the scope of this arbitration procedure and will have to be examined by the sports organisations concerned.
The Arbitral Award issued by the CAS Panel is currently subject to a confidentiality review meaning that the parties might request that the Arbitral Award, or certain information contained in it, remain confidential. For this reason, the Arbitral Award will not be published immediately on the CAS website.
The CAS Panel’s decision is final and binding, with the exception of the parties’ right to file an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days on limited grounds.
Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) to impose a two year and eight months ban on athlete William Boland, for the Presence of a metabolite of a Prohibited Substance, Use of a Prohibited Substance and Possession of a Prohibited Substance.
Mr Boland, who played for the Redcliffe Dolphins, returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 22 June 2022.
Mr Boland’s sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, and the presence of a metabolite of a Prohibited Substance, namely Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)), was detected.
The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is listed under Class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) under the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List – 2022 (Prohibited List 2022). The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a Non-Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.
It was also determined that on and/or before 22 June 2022 Mr Boland Used a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), and from on and/or around 6 December 2021 to on and/or around 18 May 2022 Mr Boland Possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
Queensland Rugby League thereby imposed a two year and eight months ban on Mr Boland commencing on 18 May 2022.
Mr Boland is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 18 January 2025. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league or Event organised by a non-signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level Event organisation.
THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT HAUDENOSAUNEE NATIONALS LACROSSE PLAYER AUSTIN STAATS HAS ACCEPTED A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.
The ITA confirms that a sample collected in-competition from Austin Staats at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship 2023 in San Diego, California (USA), returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for the prohibited substances carboxy-THC, cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine.
The athlete established that he had consumed the prohibited substances out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance. His sanction was thus lowered to three months insofar as he meets the requirements of the mitigation regime of “Substance of Abuse” set forth in Article 10.2.4.1 of the World Lacrosse Anti-Doping Rules.¹
The athlete was declared ineligible from 6 September 2023 (date of the notification of the AAF) to 5 December 2023. The athlete’s individual results from 1 July 2023 (date of the sample collection) onwards, including all individual results obtained at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship 2023, have also been disqualified.
The prosecution of the matter was handled by the ITA on behalf of World Lacrosse.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT HAUDENOSAUNEE NATIONALS LACROSSE PLAYER OAKLEY THOMAS HAS ACCEPTED A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.
The ITA confirms that a sample collected in-competition from Oakley Thomas at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship 2023 in San Diego, California (USA), returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for the prohibited substances carboxy-THC, cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine.
The athlete established that he had consumed the prohibited substances out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance. His sanction was thus lowered to three months insofar as he meets the requirements of the mitigation regime of “Substance of Abuse” set forth in Article 10.2.4.1 of the World Lacrosse Anti-Doping Rules.¹
The athlete was declared ineligible from 6 September 2023 (date of the notification of the AAF) to 5 December 2023. The athlete’s individual results from 1 July 2023 (date of the sample collection) onwards, including all individual results obtained at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship 2023, have also been disqualified.
The prosecution of the matter was handled by the ITA on behalf of World Lacrosse.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Kurbanov Nikita (basketball) ineligible for 3 months for violation under cl. 4.1 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on January 10, 2024, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from October 20, 2023.
USADA announced today that Wyatt Davis of Ann Arbor, Mich., an athlete in the sport of swimming, has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.
Davis, 22, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC), a urinary metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, above the urinary Decision Limit of 180 ng/mL, as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the Phillips 66 National Championships on June 30, 2023.
Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Aquatics Doping Control Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Under the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category, “Substances of Abuse,” that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA. While USADA will continue to advocate to WADA, the rule maker, to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use, we will also continue to advocate that those in need receive treatment for substance use as needed and as required under the current rule.
Davis qualified for a reduced sanction because his use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. Davis accepted a three-month period of ineligibility that began on January 2, 2024, the date he accepted the sanction. In addition, Davis has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after June 30, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. While the matter was pending, USADA determined that Davis violated his provisional suspension by participating in an activity authorized/organized by a Code signatory’s member organization. Therefore, Davis did not receive credit for any time he spent provisionally suspended.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
Published Friday, 12 January 2024.
USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has rendered a decision in the case of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Andre Luiz Novaes Porfirio, of Miami, FL. After an evidentiary hearing on November 28, 2023, where both Porfirio and USADA were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Porfirio will receive a four-year sanction for multiple anti-doping rule violations. These violations occurred as a result of testing and intelligence from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World No-Gi Championship event in December 2022.
“Powerful performance-enhancing substances are a threat to both the safety of competitors and the integrity of competition,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “Robust testing and investigations, paired with an unflinching commitment to pursuing the truth, is absolutely necessary to ensuring that those who seek an unfair advantage are held accountable.”
Although the IBJJF is not a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, USADA was contracted by IBJJF to conduct the testing and results management program for the event, which also includes post-event out-of-competition testing. IBJJF has agreed to impose the below sanction.
The independent arbitrator determined that Porfirio, 26, committed two counts of evading sample collection by first fleeing the venue at the World No-Gi Championship on December 11, 2022 when he learned there would be testing. Porfirio again evaded sample collection on December 20, 2022, when USADA attempted to collect an out-of-competition urine sample, which Porfirio eventually provided. Evading sample collection, or refusing or failing to submit to sample collection, without compelling justification is a doping violation under the World Anti-Doping Code.
During USADA’s investigation into the circumstances of Porfirio’s first violation, the athlete admitted to using the prohibited substance testosterone prior to the World No-Gi Championship. Porfirio’s sample collected on December 20 also returned an atypical finding for testosterone and its metabolites after analysis using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), which is capable of measuring the carbon isotope ratio of urinary steroids, such as testosterone and its metabolites, and confirming their synthetic origin. IRMS is a powerful tool that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin. Anabolic agents have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors. IRMS testing confirmed that the prohibited anabolic agents detected in the athletes’ samples were consistent with external origin. Based on the admission of use and the atypical finding, the arbitrator concluded that Porfirio committed violations for presence of exogenous testosterone in his sample, as well as the use and/or attempted use of exogenous testosterone.
Porfirio’s four-year period of ineligibility began on March 21, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Porfirio has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved in competitions sanctioned by the IBJJF, or any Code signatory, on and subsequent to December 8, 2022, the approximate first date he used testosterone, to March 21, 2023, the first day of his provisional suspension, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
This decision, as well as other arbitral decisions, can be found here.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Russian tennis player Vladislav Ivanov has been suspended from the sport for a period of four years by an independent tribunal following a breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).
On 14 September 2022 at the M15 tournament in Morocco, Ivanov was notified to provide an in-competition urine sample and refused to do so, leaving the tournament venue. Although the player later returned to provide a sample, they were charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under article 2.3 of the TADP for refusing to provide a sample when asked to do so.
Ivanov, who had a career-high world singles ranking of 835 in September 2022, requested a hearing before an independent tribunal convened by Sport Resolutions. The hearing was held remotely in November 2023. The Independent Tribunal determined that Mr. Ivanov’s conduct was intentional, within the meaning of TADP Article 10.2.3, and so imposed a period of ineligibility of four years. Results obtained at the Morocco event were also disqualified with forfeiture of ranking points and prize money. The panel noted that the player had received ITIA education about the anti-doping process and had provided a sample two weeks previously, therefore should have been aware of the rules.
The suspension will run from the date of the decision (21 December 2023) until midnight on 20 December 2027.
Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, commented: “A player refusing to undertake a test is rare, but this sends a powerful message to any sportsperson about the devastating consequences if they do.
"We strongly urge players who are selected for testing to provide their sample at the earliest opportunity, listen carefully to instructions given to them by the Doping Control Officer and be chaperoned from the moment of notification through to sample collection. We understand that the testing process can be inconvenient, but it is vital in the fight for a clean sport.”
In accordance with TADP Article 10.14, during the period of ineligibility, the player is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
Polish professional boxer Krzysztof Glowacki has been banned from all sport for a period of four years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
On 21 January 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Glowacki after his fight against Richard Riakporhe at the AO Arena in Manchester. Analysis of Mr Glowacki’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for boldenone and its Metabolite, 17β-hydroxy-5β-androst-1-en-3-one.
Boldenone is listed under section S1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as an anabolic androgenic steroid. It is a non-Specified substance that is prohibited in sport at all times.
On 6 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Glowacki that he may have committed two ADRVs contrary to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (‘ADR’). UKAD also provisionally suspended Mr Glowacki from all Code-compliant sport from this date.
On 2 June 2023, UKAD charged Mr Glowacki with both ADRVs. Mr Glowacki responded on 12 June 2023, denying the ADRVs and asserting that he had not taken any Prohibited Substance.
Mr Glowacki’s case was heard by the independent National-Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) on 31 October 2023. The NADP issued a decision on 21 November 2023 which imposed a period of Ineligibility of four years. Mr Glowacki’s period of Ineligibility commenced on 6 April 2023 and will expire at 11:59pm on 5 April 2027.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations said: “It is very important that athletes respect the rules and understand their responsibilities to uphold clean sport. Boldenone, as with all steroids, is performance enhancing and undermines the integrity of sport. There is no place for steroids in sport.”
USADA announced today that Ina Pfuhler, of Cincinnati, Ohio, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Pfuhler, 55, tested positive for an anabolic agent as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the Gran Fondo National Championship on September 17, 2023, a highly regarded cycling event where she placed second overall. Her urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test that differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. She also declared the use of this substance in a follow-up email to USADA immediately following sample collection.
Anabolic agents, including testosterone, are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Pfuhler was taking testosterone at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the medical need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why criteria must be fulfilled beyond merely providing a prescription.
Pfuhler’s two-year period of ineligibility began on December 7, 2023, the date her provisional suspension was imposed. Pfuhler has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to September 17, 2023 including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that four officials have been suspended from the sport for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).
Three individuals – Lithuanian Edvinas Grigaitis, Georgian Givi Khudoiani, and Armenian Arsen Movsisyan – were sanctioned by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Janie Soublière, while Austrian official Manuel Sperger accepted an agreed sanction directly with the ITIA, having been convicted of match-fixing activity in an Austrian criminal court following collaboration between the ITIA and Austrian authorities.
Grigaitis, a national-level official, received a three-year suspension for four breaches of the TACP, including delaying or manipulating the entry of scoring data for betting purposes, facilitating wagering, and conspiring to commit offenses.
Alongside three major breaches of the TACP, Grigaitis was also charged with wagering on tennis matches they were not involved in. The suspension is effective from 15 December 2023, and will end at midnight on 14 December 2026.
Khudoiani and Movsisyan, national-level officials, were found by AHO Soublière to have collaborated on a scheme to manipulate scoring data from matches in 2019 and 2020 for betting purposes. Khudoiani was found liable for 15 TACP breaches, and Movsisyan was found liable for six.
Khudoiani was handed a 14-year suspension and a $25,000 fine, and Movsisyan received a five-year suspension. The pair have been provisionally suspended since 14 July 2021 - while the investigation and case proceeded - and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against their period of ineligibility. As such, Khudoiani’s suspension will end at midnight on 13 July 2035, and Movsisyan’s suspension will end at midnight on 13 July 2026.
Sperger, a national-level official, was the subject of match-fixing-related proceedings in a criminal court in Innsbruck, Austria, and admitted to manipulating scores in 2016 and 2017 for betting purposes.
The ITIA charged Sperger with 12 offenses under the TACP, including manipulating the entry of scoring data for betting purposes and facilitating wagering. Sperger admitted to the offenses and accepted an agreed sanction of seven years and six months’ suspension, waiving their right to a hearing before an independent AHO.
The suspension is effective from 18 December 2023 and will end at midnight on 17 June 2031. In addition to their suspension, Sperger has been fined $25,000, of which $18,750 is suspended.
During their suspensions, Grigaitis, Khudoiani, Movsisyan and Sperger are prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA: ATP, ITF, WTA, Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open, or any national association.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
