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.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby League player Tobias Richardson received a three-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance 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 2 July 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Richardson at a game between Midlands Hurricanes and Dewsbury Rams. Analysis of Mr Richardon’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite, benzoylecgonine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance 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.
On 17 August 2023, UKAD notified Mr Richardson that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Richardson was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 22 August 2023, Mr Richardson admitted that he had taken cocaine and that he had ingested it recreationally while in a social setting during the Out-of-Competition period on Friday 30 June 2023. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Richardson’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that the Athlete’s explanation - that the cocaine had likely been consumed during the Out-of-Competition period - was scientifically plausible.
Mr Richardson was charged by UKAD on 12 October 2023 with the commission of an ADRV under ADR Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athletes Sample). The player responded on 23 October 2023 accepting the charge and agreeing to the period of Ineligibility of three months asserted by UKAD.
Mr Richardson has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended. His period of Ineligibility was lifted on 16 November 2023.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Cocaine is prohibited in sport. It’s a harmful drug and violates the spirit of sport. The rules are clear on substances of abuse. Athletes risk their careers and their reputations by using cocaine.”
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 recent introduction of 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 Rugby League Cares.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed that Rugby League player Charley Bodman has been banned from all sport for a period of 18 months following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
On 25 April 2023, UKAD collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Bodman at a Cornwall RLFC training session. Analysis of Mr Bodman’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for terbutaline.
Terbutaline is listed under S3 of WADA’s 2023 Prohibited List as a beta-2-agonist and is prohibited at all times.
On 26 May 2023, UKAD notified Mr Bodman that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), and provisionally suspended him.
Mr Bodman responded to UKAD’s Notice letter, explaining that he had been prescribed the Prohibited Substance, terbutaline, to treat asthma. As an athlete on the National TUE Pool, Mr Bodman is required to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption in advance of taking terbutaline.
Mr Bodman did apply retroactively for a TUE, but the application was denied by UKAD’s independent TUE Fairness Review Panel. The Panel concluded that Mr Bodman had neglected his anti-doping duties by not applying for a TUE in advance of taking his prescribed medication.
As a result of the decision, Mr Bodman did not possess a valid and applicable TUE for terbutaline at the time his sample was collected. Mr Bodman was therefore charged by UKAD with both ADRVs on 8 September 2023.
The player’s legal representatives responded to both charges admitting the violations but submitting that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning attributed to that term by ADR Article 10.2.3. His representatives also submitted that Mr Bodman bore no Significant Fault or Negligence in this matter, and was entitled to a reduction to the otherwise applicable (2) year period of Ineligibility in accordance with ADR Article 10.6.1(b).
UKAD considered Mr Bodman’s evidence and submissions and does not assert that the ADRVs were ‘intentional’. UKAD also considers that Mr Bodman has established that he bore No Significant Fault or Negligence such that he is entitled to a reduction of six months, leaving him with a ban of 18 months.
Mr Bodman’s period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 26 May 2023 and will expire at midnight on 25 November 2024.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Medications prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter may contain prohibited substances. It is an athlete’s responsibility to check their medication before using it, even if they have used it before.
“It is also imperative that athletes check whether they are included in UKAD’s National TUE Pool and to understand that, if they are, they are required to apply for a TUE in advance of using medication that contains a Prohibited Substance.”
The Rugby Football League added, “The RFL supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition. Players are responsible for checking the contents of any medication before use.
“The RFL works with RL Cares, the sport’s independent charity, to ensure support is available for players in cases such as this.”
UKAD’s Medicine and TUE Hub has information online for all athletes on how to check the anti-doping status of their medication. Athletes can also check whether they are included in the National TUE Pool. Visit UKAD’s Search Check Apply campaign for more information, including how and when to apply for a TUE.
The National Center for Sports Arbitration rendered a decision against athlete Karamasheva Svetlana (athletics) for violation under cl. 4.1 and cl. 4.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules.
The National Center for Sports Arbitration upheld the decision of Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee of RUSADA (DADC) No. 34/2023 dated February 9, 2023, that made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 8 years from the date of the DADC decision, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension from June 17, 2021.
Published Friday, 08 December 2023.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has released its second quarterly testing report of the Financial Year covering July to September 2023 (quarter two of 2023/24).
UKAD conducted 2,175 tests during July to September 2023, an increase of 99 tests against the previous quarter (quarter one: 2,076 tests) and an increase of 81 tests against the same quarter of last year (quarter two 2022/23: 2,094).
The most tested sports in quarter two were football, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, athletics and professional boxing. DCP provide both in- and out-of-competition testing with no advanced notice, following the International Standard of Testing and Investigations.
UKAD’s Testing Programme targets the greatest threats to clean sport, which also focusses on the build-up to major sporting events. During this quarter, the Testing Programme targeted athletes preparing for places at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 France and the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
UKAD’s testing reports also include information on the number of whereabouts failures, adverse analytical findings, and anti-doping rule violations during the quarter.
Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations, said:
“The Testing Programme is a valuable tool in UKAD’s operations to maintain clean sport and support a level playing field for athletes. The Programme uses an intelligence-led and risk-based approach to target areas of sport and the individuals who we believe have the potential to dope, and this is complimented by our education work to support athletes on their responsibilities.
I’d like to thank our Doping Control Personnel who provide a world-class service collecting test samples, and all stakeholders and partners across sport and the Anti-Doping sector who we support through the Testing Programme.”
UKAD’s Intelligence-led Testing Programme is part of a multi-faceted approach which includes education, intelligence and investigations, assuring confidence in clean sport and protecting the integrity of sport.
To read the full report click here.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish version 9.0 of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA), which will enter into force on 1 January 2024. The revised TDSSA was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) on 16 November 2023.
The TDSSA is a mandatory Level 2 document that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) that are signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. The TDSSA is intended to ensure that the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA are subject to an appropriate and consistent minimum level of analysis (MLA) by all ADOs that conduct testing in those sports or disciplines deemed at risk.
WADA conducts an annual update of the TDSSA to ensure it remains fit for purpose. In 2023, a sub-working group consisting of five members from the Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group (STEAG) and WADA staff conducted a detailed review of the TDSSA, which included analyzing the current text of the document as well as 2015-2022 ADAMS data. The sub-working group provided its recommendations to the STEAG during its in-person meeting on 30 and 31 August 2023.
Modifications to TDSSA version 8.0
A summary of modifications to the TDSSA version 8.0 can be found here and the redlined version of the TDSSA version 9.0 can be found here.
The amendments to the TDSSA will enter into force on 1 January 2024 with the exception to changes made to the MLAs for erythropoietin receptor agonists (ERAs) for four sports/disciplines which was increased from 15% to 30%. The changes to these MLAs will come into force on 1 January 2025, allowing ADOs sufficient time to incorporate these changes into their Test Distribution Plans. The four sports/disciplines are: Athletics – Combined Events, Canoe/Kayak – Ocean Racing, Orienteering and Para-Athletics, Running Middle Distance 800m - 1500m All Classes.
Application for Flexibility
ADOs are also reminded that in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI), “an ADO may apply to WADA for flexibility in the implementation of the MLA specified for Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as outlined in the TDSSA.” ADOs can apply for flexibility (up to 50%) in the implementation of the MLAs against set criteria listed in Articles 3 and 6 of the TDSSA.
TDSSA Testing Guides
Information on the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA and relevant guidance on Testing strategies are provided within the TDSSA Testing Guides. A Testing Guide on Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is also available. ADO staff involved in test planning and target testing of athletes are advised to be familiar with these Testing Guides, which can be requested by contacting WADA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Should you have any questions or comments regarding the TDSSA version 9.0 or the application for flexibility, we invite you to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Around 250 samples collected in and out of competition
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Indonesian anti-doping knowledge and experience boosted thanks to collaboration with FIFA anti-doping experts
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Players and delegations educated on anti-doping matters
The most comprehensive anti-doping programme at a FIFA U-17 World Cup™ has been carried out at this year’s edition of the tournament in Indonesia. Over 200 urine samples have been collected in and out of competition, as well as more than 40 dried blood spot samples, which have been gathered for the first time ever in the competition’s history.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™ will leave a lasting legacy to the Indonesian anti-doping landscape, as the Indonesia Anti-Doping Organisation (IADO) has boosted its knowledge and experience by joining forces with FIFA’s anti-doping experts.
FIFA and IADO worked together in the lead-up and throughout the tournament , with the Indonesian doping control representatives receiving comprehensive training and assisting FIFA’s doping control officers during all in- and out-of-competition testing.
“Besides the anti-doping measures implemented before and during the competition, the exchanges held with local anti-doping officers will enable them to further develop anti-doping activities in Indonesia, which represents yet another aspect of the tournament’s positive legacy,” said FIFA Head of Anti-Doping Alexis Weber.
The tournament is marking the strongest out of competition testing in the history of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Also, educational videos were presented to participating teams at their respective Team Arrival Meetings, with all players receiving information on how the doping control process works and the aspects to consider when using food supplements, among other matters.
USADA announced today that Evan Forrest, of Winston-Salem, N.C., 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 several potent performance-enhancing drugs.
“Testing continues to be a crucial way to detect doping and hold accountable athletes who are deliberately cheating their opponents,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “In these cases, it’s important that we apply the full force of the rules to ensure these bad actors can’t continue to corrupt sport at any level of competition.”
Forrest, 29, tested positive for boldenone and drostanolone, as well as metabolites of these substances, and also tested positive for metabolites of methandienone and nandrolone as the result of a urine sample collected at the 2023 North American Open Series 2 on September 17, 2023. Additionally, Forrest’s 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. The IRMS analysis further confirmed the presence of exogenous testosterone and its metabolites in Forrest’s sample.
All substances 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, Forrest qualified for a one-year reduction to the otherwise applicable four-year period of ineligibility.
Forrest’s three-year period of ineligibility began on October 25, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Forrest has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to September 17, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, 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 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has registered two Requests for Arbitration filed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in relation to (non-)compliance matters concerning the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and the South African Institute for Drug-free Sport (SAIDS).
On 22 September 2023, the WADA Executive Committee endorsed the recommendation of its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) which alleged RUSADA to be non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (the WADC) due to Russia’s federal sports legislation not being considered to be in line with the 2021 WADC. Similarly, on the same day, the WADA Executive Committee also endorsed the recommendation of the CRC to allege SAIDS as non-compliant with the WADC due to South Africa’s legislation not being considered to be in line with the 2021 WADA Code. Since both RUSADA and SAIDS have disputed their non-compliance, as set out in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), WADA has submitted both matters to the CAS Ordinary Arbitration Division for resolution.
Two separate CAS arbitration procedures have been registered. The procedures will be conducted according to the provisions of the ISCCS and the Code of Sports-related Arbitration (the CAS Code). In summary, for each procedure, there will be an exchange of written submissions while a Panel of three arbitrators is simultaneously constituted in accordance with the provisions of Article 9.4.1 of the ISCCS. Once appointed, the Panel for each matter will issue directions for the next phase of the proceedings and shall, save for extensions of time requested by the parties or other exceptional circumstances, issue its reasoned decision no later than three months after the date of its constitution. The Panels’ decisions will be publicly reported by CAS.
The decisions issued by the CAS Panels will be 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.
Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee of RAA RUSADA rendered a decision that made athlete Molodtsov Dmitriy (weightlifting) ineligible for a period of 4 years for violation under cl. 2.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules approved by Order No. 307 of the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation dated April 13, 2011, starting on the date of the decision, namely August 25, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from September 05, 2022.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS, Lausanne, Switzerland) partially set aside the decision rendered by the Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee of RAA RUSADA № 102/2022 dated June 23, 2022 on the sanction in a form of reprimand to the athlete Guschina Mariya (cross-country skiing) for violation under cl. 2.2 of the All-Russian anti-doping rules approved by Order of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation No. 947 dated August 09, 2016 (with amendments effective from January 17, 2019).
The Court of Arbitration for Sport rendered the decision which made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 12 months from the date of CAS decision, namely October 27, 2023.
Further to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA's) Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting of 22 September 2023, WADA wishes to provide an update regarding the ExCo’s decision to endorse the recommendation of WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) and allege the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of South Africa as non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). The alleged non-compliance in this case is a result of South Africa’s legislation not being in line with the 2021 Code.
Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), the NADO had 21 days following the date of receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, as well as the consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by the Agency.
On 10 October, WADA received formal notification from the South African NADO that it disputed the allegation of non-compliance against it, as well as the proposed consequences. Accordingly, and in line with Article 24.1.7 of the Code, WADA now publicly announces that it filed the request for arbitration with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 16 November 2023. As set out in Article 24.1.7, certain Signatories have the right to intervene in the CAS proceedings as a party whereas other persons may apply and be permitted to intervene under certain conditions. As per the same article, the notice of intervention or the application to intervene must be filed within 10 days of the publication of this notice.
The allegation of non-compliance and the consequences will not take effect until such time as CAS makes its ruling. Further details regarding the case including, in particular, the consequences and reinstatement conditions can be found in WADA’s update of 28 September 2023.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby League player Taylor Baddeley received a one-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance 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 8 April 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Baddeley at a game between Castleford Tigers Academy and Wakefield Trinity Academy. Analysis of Mr Baddeley’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for benzoylecgonine, a Metabolite of cocaine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance 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 related 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. A further reduction in the length of ban, down to one month, is available if an Athlete satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment programme approved by UKAD.
On 19 May 2023, UKAD notified Mr Baddeley that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Baddeley was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 2 June 2023, Mr Baddeley admitted that he had used cocaine recreationally while in a social setting during the Out-of-Competition period. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Baddeley’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that cocaine had likely been consumed during the Out-of-Competition period.
UKAD charged Mr Baddeley on 11 July 2023 with the commission of an ADRV under ADR Article 2.1 (presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athletes Sample). On 20 July 2023, Mr Baddeley accepted the charge and the asserted period of Ineligibility of three months. Mr Baddeley provided UKAD with a report following his completion of a Substance of Abuse treatment programme. UKAD reviewed the contents of the report and in accordance with its own policy ‘Substances of Abuse: Policy for determining approved treatment programmes’ granted a reduced period of Ineligibility of one month.
Mr Baddeley has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended (since 19 May 2023). Mr Baddeley’s period of Ineligibility was lifted on 18 August 2023 and he is free to resume participation in sport.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Chief Executive, Jane Rumble said: “Substances of Abuse as defined in the WADA Prohibited List are prohibited in sport because they represent a real health risk to the Athlete, and they violate the spirit of sport. Athletes caught using cocaine and other ‘recreational drugs’ Out-of-Competition may receive a ban from sport and risk jeopardising their playing career.
“The Substance of Abuse treatment programme supports Athletes to recognise the dangers of substance misuse and identify where to turn to for support in the future.”
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 recent introduction of 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 World Anti-Doping Agency is pleased to publish new Guidelines for Human Source Management (Guidelines), which will serve as a model of best practice for the management of Human Sources by Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs).
The use of a Human Source, a term that includes informants and whistleblowers, is a legitimate and important investigative tool in the fight against doping and has been an integral part of the prosecution of many Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) cases. The management of Human Sources must be of the highest ethical and professional standard to ensure the protection of their identity and the confidentiality of the information they provide.
To that end, WADA Intelligence and Investigations (I&I) has produced these Guidelines to support ADOs in the development and management of Human Source programs. The Guidelines, which feature fundamental principles and best practices, are part of WADA’s ongoing work to better educate ADOs on important investigative methodologies and practices in this important area.
Damien Larin, Head of WADA’s Confidential Information Unit, stressed the importance of implementing proper Source Management principals, stating that “managing confidential Human Sources is not an activity that should be taken lightly. WADA and the anti-doping community have a responsibility to ensure that Human Sources who help support investigations are protected and that their information is safeguarded. The best way to ensure this is by developing a Human Source program built on the fundamentals of documentation, oversight, direction, and risk management. The Guidelines provide practical guidance on how to accomplish this, but also set a standard for ADOs that are currently working with Human Sources. We’re very encouraged that this important area continues to grow, and WADA I&I is invested in ensuring that it is done the right way.”
The National Center for Sports Arbitration rendered a decision against Makshantsev Oleg (bodybuilding) for violation under cl. 4.5 and cl. 4.9 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. 67/2022 dated October 14, 2021, and rendered a decision that made Makshantsev Oleg ineligible for a period of 4 years for violation under cl. 4.5 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, with credit for the served period of ineligibility from October 14, 2021.
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FIFA representatives attend meeting of Council of Europe’s Monitoring Group of Anti-Doping Convention (T-DO)
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FIFA outlined scaled-up efforts to keep football clean and fair
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Importance of education at youth level to influence future generations of players also highlighted
FIFA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fair play and the integrity of football as a member of the Council of Europe’s Monitoring Group of the Anti-Doping Convention (T-DO) at the body’s latest gathering in Strasbourg, France.
Delegates at the two-day meeting heard from Alexis Weber, FIFA’s Head of Anti-Doping, and Annaliza Tsakona, FIFA’s Senior International Relations & Public Affairs Manager, about how FIFA has stepped up its efforts to ensure that its competitions remain fair.
“FIFA would like to reiterate its commitment to continuing our close collaboration with the Council of Europe – under the memorandum of understanding signed in 2018 – as well as with governments and political institutions around the globe,” Ms Tsakona told attendees, consisting of representatives of the Council of Europe and Council of Europe member states, parties to the Anti-Doping Convention and observers from international sports federations.
“It is through collaborative efforts that we can effectively address challenges jeopardising the principles of fair play, integrity and clean competition. Such cooperation has the potential to catalyse positive societal change, extending its impact beyond the sporting arena,” Ms Tsakona added.
FIFA's representatives outlined the organisation's anti-doping operations at the FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar late last year. The T-DO, which plays an important role in coordinating the implementation and harmonisation of anti-doping programmes across EU member states, also heard about the enhanced anti-doping policy put in place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. As the centrepiece of the most comprehensive measures ever implemented at a FIFA Women’s World Cup™, 30% more tests were conducted than at the previous edition in France in 2019.
FIFA is also taking an active role in trying to ensure that anti-doping is a part of a player’s mindset long before they reach elite level. After Ms Tsakona had stressed the importance of education and whistle-blowing, FIFA’s anti-doping e-learning platform was then presented. It is tailored to three distinct target groups: youth players, professional players and player support staff.
The T-DO was then given an overview of the robust anti-doping programme that has been put in place for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™ in Indonesia with the aim of instilling ethical values and the concept of fair competition in players from an early age.
Sport Integrity Australia today acknowledged the decision of Football Australia to impose a ban of two-years and nine-months on athlete Damian Tsekenis for the Presence, Use, Use and/or Attempted Use, and Possession of Prohibited Substances.
Mr Tsekenis, who played for the Central Coast Mariners, returned Adverse Analytical Findings from an out-of-competition doping control test on 23 March 2022.
His sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, which detected the presence of Prohibited Substances Ostarine and its metabolite Hydroxy-ostarine, and Ibutamoren.
It was determined that on and/or before 23 March 2022 Mr Tsekenis used Prohibited Substances, namely Ostarine and Ibutamoren.
In addition, it was also determined:
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 31 October 2021, Mr Tsekenis used and/or attempted to use a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 21 March 2022, Mr Tsekenis used and/or attempted to use a Prohibited Substance, namely RAD140.
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 31 October 2021, he possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).
- On and/or around 1 January 2021 to on and/or around 21 March 2022, he possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely RAD140.
Mr Tsekenis is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 21 December 2024.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE
Ostarine, LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and RAD140 are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) and are prohibited at all times under the S1 Anabolic Agent category of the WADA Prohibited List.
SARMs are promoted as selective non-steroidal anabolic agents. They are claimed to be substances that induce muscle (and bone) growth without the side effects associated with steroid use. However, the medium and long-term health impacts are unknown due to a lack of medium and long-term clinical trials.
It should be noted that a number of SARMs have associated health-risks, particularly for the heart and liver.
Sport Integrity Australia is committed to protecting the right of clean athletes to fair competition. If you are aware of any suspicious doping activity, you can report it anonymously via the Sport Integrity Australia website or call us on 1300 027 232.
Sport Integrity Australia recommends you check all of your substances before you take them on the Sport Integrity app. For more information visit: Sport Integrity Australia website.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Italian tennis player Stefano Battaglino has been suspended from the sport for a period of four years by an independent tribunal following breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).
On 14 September 2022 at an M15 tournament in Morocco, 25-year-old Battaglino provided an in-competition urine sample, which was found to contain metabolites of clostebol. Clostebol – an anabolic androgenic steroid - is prohibited at all times under Section S1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. As a non-specified substance, an adverse analytical finding for clostebol carries a mandatory provisional suspension. As such, Battaglino has been provisionally suspended since February 2023.
Battaglino, who has a career-high ATP singles ranking of 760, requested a hearing before an independent tribunal convened by Sport Resolutions. The hearing was held remotely in October 2023. The player argued that his violation was unintentional and that his sanction should be further reduced on grounds of no fault or negligence or no significant fault or negligence.
The independent tribunal determined that Battaglino did not prove the source of the clostebol and therefore found that the anti-doping rule violations were intentional. As such, the player was not eligible for any reductions below the presumptive four-year sanction.
Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against the player’s period of ineligibility. Battaglino’s period of ineligibility therefore runs from 1 February 2023 until midnight of 31 January 2027. The player’s results from the date of the positive test are also to be disqualified, with forfeiture of ranking points and prize money.
During the sanction period, 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, Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open) or any national association.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its members to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that David Mylnikov, a shooting athlete, received a three-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. The athlete’s urine sample, collected during an in-competition sample collection session on June 9, 2023, revealed the presence of cannabis, a prohibited cannabinoid.
The presence of cannabis, classified as both a specified substance and a substance of abuse on the World Anti-Doping Agency 2023 Prohibited List, is considered an adverse analytical finding when the urinary concentration exceeds 150 ng/mL. The CCES assessed the relevant provisions of Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) Rule 10.2.4.1 and proposed a three-month period of ineligibility for this violation, as the CCES was satisfied that the cannabis was used out of competition and unrelated to sport.
In response to the CCES’s notification of the adverse analytical finding, the athlete waived their right to a hearing and accepted the proposed sanction and all other consequences. The sanction terminates on January 10, 2024.
During the sanction period, the athlete is ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the 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 Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) was pleased to collaborate with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to host an Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (ADIIN) Expert Group session in Monaco last week.
The seventh annual session, which ran from 25-26 October, welcomed around 25 participants from WADA Intelligence & Investigations (I&I), National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), International Federations and the International Testing Agency to discuss ongoing investigations and share their respective experiences.
WADA Director, Intelligence and Investigations, Gunter Younger, said: “This week’s session in Monaco was an excellent opportunity for intelligence and investigations practitioners to get together and share experiences and reflect on how to further strengthen the anti-doping process from an intelligence and investigations perspective. We are very grateful to our colleagues from the Athletics Integrity Unit for hosting the event and for their strong commitment to this important area. Through collaboration like this we are improving the overall system for athletes and clean sport around the world.”
Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit, Brett Clothier, said: “The AIU has been a central member of the ADIIN group since our inception, so it was a pleasure to welcome its members to Monaco for the annual in-person meeting. Investigations and intelligence are at the heart of good anti-doping work and ADIIN is therefore an expert group with an important role. The last two days have furthered the consideration of I&I’s role in the future of anti-doping.”
In particular during this interactive session, the members examined two key provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), namely Article 10.7.1 (Substantial Assistance) and Article 10.8.1 (Early Admission and Acceptance of Sanction) and discussed how they could better reflect the operational needs and constraints of I&I practitioners. To complement these discussions on I&I challenges and opportunities, the group also heard from General Counsel, United States AntiDoping Agency, Jeff Cook, who offered insight into how the Code and the International Standard for Results Management intersected with criminal prosecutions.
The outcomes of the meeting will be reviewed by the ADIIN steering committee and shared with the relevant drafting teams for the 2027 Code and International Standards Update Process, which got underway last month.
About the Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network
In 2017, to further harmonize and strengthen the investigation of doping in sport worldwide, WADA I&I started building ADIIN to serve as a global resource to assist Anti-Doping Organizations in conducting investigations, and to identify and promote best-practice investigative standards.
The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a human anti-doping case.
This case involves an adverse analytical finding for Hydrochlorothiazide and its metabolite, Chloraminophenamide, which are included in the category of class “S5 - Diuretics and Masking Agents” according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
A sample taken from the Argentinian athlete Fabian Sejanes (FEI ID 10001261) on 11 August 2022, during the FEI World Championships held in Herning, Denmark, from 5-14 August 2022, returned positive for the Prohibited Substance mentioned above. The athlete was notified of the violation of the FEI’s Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA) on 11 October 2022.
In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal decided to suspend the athlete for a period of 18-months, starting from the date of the FEI Tribunal Final Decision (27 October 2023). Additionally, the athlete was disqualified from all results obtained at the event as well as all other competitive results obtained by the athlete from the date of his sample collection were disqualified. Finally, the athlete was fined CHF 3,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,500.
The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision.
The full text of the FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision is available here.
Published Friday, 27 October 2023.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has recently released the 2024 Prohibited List (the List), which details the substances and methods that are banned within sport. Broken down into several categories, the List identifies which substances and methods are prohibited at all times, in-competition only, and within specific sports.
Following an extensive consultation period by WADA, the 2024 List was published on 27 September 2023. This gives athletes and their support personnel sufficient time to make themselves aware of the changes, review any medications they use, and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if required before the updated List comes into effect on 01 January 2024.
The below sections summarise the major changes to the List for 2024. Please consult the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes document for the full list of modifications.
Tramadol
Tramadol will be prohibited in-competition under Section 7 Narcotics.
UKAD will shortly be releasing a position statement for athletes and doctors on how to comply with the new tramadol regulations. This document will include the timeframes for when an athlete should submit a TUE for the use of tramadol, the factors to consider when making such an application, and scenarios whereby a TUE is unlikely to be granted.
Removal of plasmapheresis as a prohibited method
The donation of plasma or plasma components by plasmapheresis will no longer be prohibited when performed in a registered collection centre.
Tramazoline
Tramazoline has been added to Section 6 Stimulants as an example of an imidazoline derivative which is permitted when administered by dermatological, nasal, ophthalmic, or otic routes. It is prohibited by any other route of administration.
Additional Examples
Several new examples of prohibited substances have been added to various categories of the List. Please note that these are not new substances being added to the 2024 List for the first time but are additional examples of substances that are already prohibited.
Monitoring Program
WADA has also published the 2024 Monitoring Program which lists substances (not on the Prohibited List) that are currently being monitored for potential misuse by WADA.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has published the full decision of the independent tribunal in the case of Jenson Brooksby.
This outlines the process and details of the hearing held on 10 October 2023. The document has been redacted where necessary to protect personal and third party details. The independent tribunal’s final decision includes:
- Confirmation that the independent tribunal upheld the charge of Article 2.4 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) relating to three missed tests in a 12-month period
- On the one missed test that the player challenged, the tribunal found that the Doping Control Officer had complied with the ITIA protocol and the International Standards for Testing and Investigations and had taken all reasonable steps to locate the player
- That the player was unable to disprove negligence as sufficient information was not provided in order for the DCO to locate them and the player’s phone was on silent
- The tribunal found that the player’s degree of fault was “high” resulting in a sanction of 18 months
Appeals of the decision under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme are made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and all details and timings will be decided by CAS.
To access the full decision, click here
Rugby League player, Harry Tyson-Wilson has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for Use and Possession of a Prohibited Substance.
On 18 May 2022, UKAD received information from the police regarding the production, manufacture, and supply of Prohibited Substances by and to a number of individuals. UKAD commenced an investigation and was subsequently able to identify Rugby League player Mr Tyson-Wilson as one of the purchasers of the Prohibited Substances.
Evidence obtained by UKAD showed that on 6 March 2019, Mr Tyson-Wilson made a purchase of dianabol, a variant of metandienone. Metandienone is listed under S1(1) of the 2019 WADA Prohibited List as an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid and is a non-Specified Substance, which is prohibited at all times.
UKAD interviewed Mr Tyson-Wilson on 7 March 2022, where he admitted to purchasing metandienone online in March 2019 and paying for it to be delivered to his home address. Mr Tyson-Wilson also accepted being in possession of the Prohibited Substance after its arrival at his home address.
On 12 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Tyson-Wilson that he may have committed two ADRVs contrary to Article 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method), and Article 2.6 (Possession of a Prohibited Substance and/or a Prohibited Method) of the 2015 UK Anti-Doping Rules (‘2015 ADR’). UKAD provisionally suspended the player from this date.
On 18 May 2023, Mr Tyson-Wilson was charged by UKAD with both ADRVs. The player responded on 7 June 2023 admitting the charges and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility of four years.
Mr Tyson-Wilson benefited from a one-year reduction to his ban after admitting the violation and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility within 20 days of receiving the Charge (pursuant to 2021 ADR Article 10.8.1).
Mr Tyson-Wilson’s period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced from the date of his Provisional Suspension on 12 April 2023 and will end at midnight on 11 April 2026.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations, said:
“Anabolic steroids have no place in sport. There are serious consequences for any Athlete caught in possession of them. It’s imperative that Athletes respect their responsibilities under the Anti-Doping Rules and conduct themselves with integrity both on and off the field.
“This case is a further example of the strong strategic collaborations UKAD has in place with law enforcement partners, and we thank them for their continued support in UKAD’s delivery of intelligence-led anti-doping programmes.”
The Rugby Football League added, “We support UKAD in their determination to ensure that sport is clean, and in working with other law enforcement partners to do so.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby Union player Ryan Olowofela received a three-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance 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 26 March 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Olowofela at a game between Nottingham RFC and Bedford Blues RFC. Analysis of the Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite, benzoylecgonine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance 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.
On 28 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Olowofela that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Olowofela was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 5 May 2023, Mr Olowofela admitted that he had taken cocaine and stated that he had ingested it recreationally on Thursday 23 March 2023. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and its Metabolite benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Olowofela’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that this explanation was not scientifically plausible.
UKAD charged Mr Olowofela on 15 June 2023 with the commission of two ADRVs under ADR Article 2.1 (presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance or Method).
Mr Olowofela responded on 6 July 2023 denying the charges. The player provided a revised account, stating that his original recollection was incorrect, and he had in fact ingested cocaine on Friday 24 March 2023. The player provided evidence to support this account, including witness statements and bank records. The scientific expert examined the player’s revised account and concluded that his explanation was consistent with Out-of-Competition ingestion. As a result, the charge under Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance or Method) was not pursued.
Mr Olowofela accepted the charge of Article 2.1 and the asserted period of Ineligibility of three months. Mr Olowofela has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended (since 28 April 2023). His period of Ineligibility was lifted on 28 September 2023, on the basis that the player had already served the maximum three-month period of Ineligibility applicable to his case. Mr Olowofela is free to resume participation in sport.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Athletes need to respect the Anti-Doping Rules. It’s important to remember that cocaine and other ‘recreational drugs’ are prohibited in sport. These substances are harmful to athlete health, and they impact careers and reputations.”
As a follow-up to the ITA’s and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) investigations on doping in the sport of weightlifting until 2018, the ITA had received WADA’s case file pertaining to “Operation Arrow”. This investigation focused on the practice of urine substitution at the point of collection. After a thorough assessment of the information and evidence the ITA decided to assert an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) for sample swapping against athlete Nijat Rahimov (Kazakhstan). The urine substitution (Article 2.2 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules) occurred on four occasions over a period of time in 2016, in preparation for the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
On 22 March 2022, the anti-doping division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS ADD) sanctioned the athlete with 8 years of ineligibility and the disqualification of all results obtained from 15 March 2016.
On 12 April 2022, the athlete filed an appeal before CAS. A hearing took place on 22 September 2022 at the CAS headquarters in which the ITA represented the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). After hearing the parties and considering the written submissions and evidence, CAS confirmed that the athlete had committed several ADRVs for the of use of a prohibited method (urine substitution) in accordance with Article 2.2 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules.
In its decision, CAS notably held that this matter was “a clear case of cheating by an athlete seeking to avoid anti-doping testing” and that “this is the kind of cheating the anti-doping rules are designed to prevent”.
Since this was the athlete’s second ADRV, CAS confirmed that Nijat Rahimov should be sanctioned with 8 years of ineligibility. The disqualification of all results obtained by the athlete from 15 March 2016 (date of the first evidence of urine substitution) until the provisional suspension imposed on 18 January 2021, which includes the gold medal obtained at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 (Men’s 77 kg), was also confirmed.
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 Dzobelov Khetag (rugby) ineligible for 3 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 November 2, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from October 10, 2023.
As part of a circulatory vote that ended yesterday, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Executive Committee (ExCo) approved a revised recommendation of the Agency’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) to add the Tunisian National Anti-Doping Organization (ANAD) to WADA’s compliance ‘watchlist’1.
On 16 November 2023, the ExCo accepted the CRC’s recommendation to allege ANAD as non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) due to a failure to appropriately implement the Code into its national legal framework.
In the days following the ExCo, ANAD provided a clear calendar for adoption of the amendments which are required to bring the Tunisian legal framework in line with the Code within four months. At the same time, critical corrective actions from an audit conducted in March 2023 were signed off. On this basis, the CRC has updated its recommendation for inclusion on the ‘watchlist’.
As per the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), by adding ANAD to the ‘watchlist’, the ExCo has given it four months to execute its corrective action plan. If by 6 April 2024 the non-conformity has not been corrected to the satisfaction of the CRC, ANAD will be alleged as non-compliant with the Code without the need for a further decision by the ExCo.
The CRC is responsible for providing independent advice, guidance and recommendations to WADA Management and governing bodies on matters relating to Signatories' compliance with their obligations under the Code.
USADA announced today that John Frey, of Albuquerque, N.M, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.
Frey, 65, refused to provide a sample after being notified by a USADA doping control officer during an in-competition test at the Paula Higgins Memorial Time Trial—a USA Cycling sanctioned event—on September 4, 2023. After the event, race officials contacted USADA to conduct testing on Frey and his tandem cycling partner to ratify what race officials believed to have been a new record in the event. But when the doping control officer arrived to collect a sample a short time later, Frey refused to be tested. Evading sample collection or refusing or failing to provide a sample without compelling justification is an anti-doping 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 and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Under the applicable rules, the default sanction for Recreational Athletes who evade sample collection or refuse or fail to provide a sample is a two-year period of ineligibility. USADA determined that Frey currently qualifies as a Recreational Athlete under the rules, and therefore the appropriate period of ineligibility is two years.
Frey’s two-year sanction took effect on November 20, 2023, the date he accepted the sanction. In addition, Frey has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to September 4, 2023, the date he failed to provide a sample, including forfeiture of any medals, points, records 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 IWF recently informed all its National Member Federations on the summary of the amendments to the 2024 IWF Anti-Doping rules, to be applicable from January 1, 2024.
The main novelties include:
TESTING
- Added new paragraph 5.5.17. in Article 5 to address situations of unavailability of athletes for testing; new section (v) in paragraph 18.1.4, in order to ensure that all athletes can be subject to unannounced Out-of-Competition Testing under the IWF’s Testing authority throughout the year.
RESULTS MANAGEMENT
- Clarification on the circumstances justifying the imposition or lifting of a provisional suspension (Art. 7.4.2).
- New paragraph 8.3.4: new evidence permit the reopening of a case.
GENERAL
- Art. 13.2.4: cross-appeals and other subsequent appeals allowed
- Art 14.7: means of notice
ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBER FEDERATIONS (MFs)
- Introduced concept of Categorisation of MFs (Category A, B, C) with different obligations imposed on each group (Art. 18.8)
- Category ‘A’ MFs: obligation to ensure at least 2 Out-of-Competition (OOC) tests (under the NADO’s TA) and mandatory Education course within 6 months prior to Senior World Championships (WC), Junior WC and Olympic Games (Art. 18.9.3)
- Category ‘B’ MFs: obligation to ensure at least 1 OOC test (under the NADO’s TA) and MFs are strongly encouraged to ensure that all athletes competing in a Selected Event and coaches and medical professionals participating in the event complete the WADA ADEL education programme specified by the ITA for each event within 6 months prior to Senior WC, Junior WC and Olympic Games (Art. 18.9.4).
- Category ‘C’ MFs: MFs are encouraged to ensure that all affiliated athletes competing in a Selected Event are subject to testing by the NADO/RADO (no minimum requirement) and MFs are strongly encouraged to ensure that all athletes competing in a Selected Event and coaches and medical professionals participating in the event are subject to anti-doping education programmes before their participation.
In exceptional circumstances outside of the control of the MF, the MF may request the IWF to test (under IWF’s TA) its athletes to meet the requirements, provided that strict conditions apply (Art. 18.9.8).
Automatic ineligibility to compete in the IWF Event in question in case of failure to meet the testing/education requirements (Art. 18.9.14)
Relevant documents/links:
- New 2024 IWF Anti-Doping rules here.
- Operational guidelines for categorisation of Member Federations here.
- An infographic to help each Member Federation to better understand how it works here.
- 2024 list of categorised Member Federations here.
Following publication of the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] Prohibited List for 2024, which includes the banning of well-known pain-killer tramadol from in-competition use, further guidance has been provided to assist players, support teams and medical personnel with the upcoming changes.
WADA has issued fact sheets for both players and medical personnel to help prepare them for the 2024 season. These fact sheets have been distributed to medical personnel and the relevant tour bodies, but can be summarised by the following five key points:
1. From 1 January 1 2024, tramadol will be added to the S7 (narcotics) category of the WADA Prohibited List . This means it will be banned in competition only.
2. Tramadol is an opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Recent scientific research has suggested that it can also have performance-enhancing effects. Moreover, it is highly addictive, which poses a health risk to athletes.
3. If a player’s physician prescribes tramadol to use incompetition to treat a diagnosed medical condition, players must apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) before they start taking the medication.
4. If players use tramadol within 24 hours before the start of the in-competition period, there is a risk that a sample collected in-competition will return a positive finding.
5. If players use tramadol more than 24 hours before the in-competition period, it is unlikely, but not impossible, that an in-competition test result will be positive.
To download the fact sheets, click here (athletes’ guidance) or here (medical professionals' guidance).
The ITIA remains committed to supporting members of the tennis community – whether they are players, representatives, support staff, coaches, or medical personnel – in understanding all elements of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme and WADA Prohibited List.
Players seeking further understanding of the WADA Prohibited List, or seeking practical support from the ITIA on anti-doping matters, can make contact with us directly via our app, through direct message on social media, or by filling out the contact form at itia.tennis/contact.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced its formal data disclosure policy which includes the routine public release of data collected through its Racetrack Safety (RS) and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Programs, as well as a process through which individuals may request additional records from HISA. The policy is as follows:
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Inc. (“HISA”) is a private, independent, self-regulatory, nonprofit corporation, and, therefore, is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) or state and local open records laws. However, as the organization charged with developing and implementing a horseracing anti-doping and medication control (“ADMC”) program and a racetrack safety (“RS”) program for covered horses, covered persons, and covered horseraces, HISA believes that sharing certain data and information collected in connection with these programs is integral to improving the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing.
As part of HISA’s commitment to public reporting, HISA intends to release certain data under the RS program on a quarterly basis beginning in the first quarter of 2024. Going forward, an annual report will be released in Q1 of each calendar year that presents new data from Q4 of the previous year, along with a full analysis of the previous calendar year’s complete data set. Quarterly reports will also be issued in Q2, Q3 and Q4 of each year, which will present new data from the previous quarter. Information relating to HISA’s ADMC program will be released by the independent enforcement agency of the ADMC program, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), in accordance with a similar disclosure schedule.
HISA’s initial release of information in the first quarter of 2024 will include data for all of calendar year 2023 concerning equine fatalities, registrations, fines assessed, track accreditation, and riding crop violations. Additional RS metrics will be released as HISA’s level of confidence in reporting by Covered Persons and the ability to track and aggregate data improves. Beginning in 2024, HISA will also start regularly sharing meeting minutes for meetings of the HISA Board and its Standing Committees.
In addition to HISA’s regular reporting, beginning in the first quarter of 2024, individual requests for information may be submitted by contacting Mandy Minger, Director of Communications (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 917-846-8804). HISA will respond to these requests on a case-by-case basis by taking into consideration whether there are privacy or confidentiality interests, ongoing investigations or pending litigation, or other circumstances that make public disclosure impractical or unfair to interested parties.
Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered a decision that made athlete Sudakov Sergey (american football) ineligible for 6 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 October 31, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from May 31, 2023.
Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered a decision that made athlete Albul Valeriya (muaythai) ineligible for 2 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 October 23, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from September 07, 2023.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby League player Harry Aaronson received a one-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance 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 21 May 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Aaronson at a Betfred League 1 game between Rochdale Hornets and Cornwall RLFC. Analysis of this Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite benzoylecgonine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only and known as a ‘Substance 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. A further reduction in the length of ban, down to one-month, is available if an Athlete satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment programme approved by UKAD.
On 3 July 2023, UKAD notified Mr Aaronson that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Aaronson was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 7 and 14 July 2023, Mr Aaronson responded to UKAD’s notice letter, admitting that he had taken cocaine recreationally in a social setting during the Out-of-Competition period. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and its Metabolite benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Aaronson’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that Mr Aaronson’s explanation was plausible.
UKAD charged Mr Aaronson on 1 September 2023 with the commission of an ADRV under ADR Article 2.1 (presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample). On 4 September 2023, Mr Aaronson accepted the charge and informed UKAD that he had completed a Substance of Abuse treatment programme, and shared the treatment programme report with UKAD. UKAD reviewed the contents of the report and in accordance with its own policy ‘Substances of Abuse: Policy for determining approved treatment programmes’ was able to grant a reduced period of Ineligibility of one month.
Mr Aaronson has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended (since 3 July 2023). Mr Aaronson’s period of Ineligibility is therefore deemed served and he is free to resume participation in sport.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Athletes need to abide by the Anti-Doping Rules and know that using cocaine and other ‘recreational drugs’ Out-of-Competition can still result in a ban from sport.
“These drugs carry serious health risks to Athletes. The Substance of Abuse treatment programme helps Athletes recognise the dangers of substance misuse and identify where to turn to for support in the future.”
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 recent introduction of 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.”
World Triathlon can report that a urine sample collected from Russian triathlete Valentina Riasova returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for the prohibited substance 5-Methylhexaneamine. The sample was collected at in-competition testing on 25 September 2021, at the Europe Triathlon Championships Valencia. On 12 September 2022, World Triathlon reached a decision on the case and imposed a ban of six (6) months on Riasova, from 12 September 2022 to 11 March 2023.
The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) appealed World Triathlon’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting a longer ban. On 15 September 2023, CAS upheld that appeal and reached the decision to ban the athlete from racing for a period of two (2) years from 15 September 2023 to 14 March 2025 (taking into account the period of ineligibility already served).
The athlete is disqualified (DSQ) from the event in Valencia where the sample was collected.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes a comprehensive document known as the Prohibited List, which contains details of the substances and methods that are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.
The List is one of eight mandatory International Standards for signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).
The Prohibited List is updated annually and comes into effect on 1 January every year, and any changes to the Prohibited List are made public every year in early October for changes applicable to the upcoming year.
HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE PROHIBITED LIST?
The Prohibited List is broken down into three parts:
- Substances and methods prohibited at all times
- Substances and methods prohibited in-competition
- Substances prohibited in certain sports
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR A SUBSTANCE OR METHOD TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST?
If a substance or method is on or is added to the List, 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 the athletes
- It violates the spirit of sport
WHICH SUBSTANCES ARE ON THE LIST?
Of the substances and methods prohibited at all times, there are six substance categories: S0 (non-approved substances), S1 (anabolic agents), S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics), S3 (beta-2 agonists), S4 (hormone and metabolic modulators) and S5 (diuretics and masking agents). There are three method categories: M1 (manipulation of blood and blood components), M2 (chemical and physical manipulation) and M3 (gene and cell doping).
Of the substance and methods prohibited in-competition, there are the following categories: S6 (stimulants), S7 (narcotics), S8 (cannabinoids), and S9 (glucocorticoids).
P1 (beta blockers) are prohibited in certain sports (and in some cases, both in-competition and out-of-competition).
WHAT DOES IN-COMPETITION MEAN?
Unless otherwise specified by your International Federation (IF), the in-competition period generally starts right before midnight (at 11:59 p.m.) on the day before an athlete’s scheduled competition. It continues until the competition is over, including until the end of the doping control process if the athlete is selected for doping.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
As we approach the end of the year, it is important that athletes and athlete support personnel understand what is new on the Prohibited List for 2024.
ITA will host a webinar about the important changes to the 2024 Prohibited List, covering the new prohibited substances for next year. Now is the time for all athletes to check the medicines they are taking to make sure you are prepared for the new rules.
Mark Stuart, Sports Pharmacist, and ITA Senior Manager for Operations Development and David Healy, WADA Senior Manager Medical, Science, and Medicine, will present the most important information that athletes and their support personnel need to know, in a practical and interactive format.
You can register for the webinar here and you can download the 2024 Prohibited List here.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has banned Para powerlifting athlete Dawid Lange for a period of four years for committing an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), in breach of the IPC Anti-Doping Code.
The Polish athlete returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for Prohibited Substances in a urine sample provided in-competition on 7 April 2019 during the Men's over 107kg competition at the 2019 Polish Weightlifting Individual Championships for People with Disabilities.
The substances were metabolites of Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (DHCMT), Metandienone, Oxandrolone and Clomifene. DHCMT, Metandienone, Oxandrolone are listed as Prohibited Substances under class S1.1A of WADA's 2019 Prohibited List (Anabolic Agents). Clomifene is listed as a Prohibited Substance under S4.3 of WADA's 2019 Prohibited List (Hormone and Metabolic Modulators).
The athlete was provisionally suspended by the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) on 13 June 2019 pending a resolution of his case.
On 30 December 2019, the athlete was charged with an ADRV pursuant to the POLADA Anti-Doping Rules.
On 22 July 2020, a POLADA Disciplinary Panel ruled that the athlete had violated the POLADA Anti-Doping Rules and imposed a sanction of a four-year period of Ineligibility on the athlete.
Following an appeal by the athlete, on 17 February 2021 a POLADA Appeal Panel overturned the POLADA First Instance Decision and lifted the athlete’s suspension, on the basis that the POLADA Anti-Doping Rules did not apply to the athlete.
On 30 September 2021, the IPC charged the athlete with an ADRV pursuant to the 2018 IPC Anti-Doping Code and provisionally suspended the athlete pending a resolution of his case.
Following this, the athlete challenged, among other things, the IPC's jurisdiction to bring a case under the IPC Anti-Doping Code against the athlete on the basis of the AAF. This jurisdiction challenge was dismissed in a ruling of the IPC Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal on 9 December 2021, and then by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following an appeal by the athlete to CAS, on 1 May 2023.
Following the dismissal of the jurisdiction challenge by CAS, the substantive ADRV case was heard before the IPC Independent Tribunal. On 13 October 2023 the IPC Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal found the AAF charge to be proven and sanctioned the athlete to a four-year period of Ineligibility.
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 programs) for four years from 13 June 2019. The suspension is to take into account the POLADA Provisional Suspension (13 June 2019 to 17 February 2021) and the IPC Provisional Suspension (30 September 2021 to 13 October 2023), bringing its end date to 22 January 2024.
The results obtained from the Men's over 107kg competition at the 2019 Polish Weightlifting Individual Championships for People with Disabilities are automatically disqualified, with all resulting Consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. All other results obtained by the athlete from the date the positive sample was collected until the commencement of the provisional suspension are also disqualified, with all resulting Consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Jude Ellis, Head of Anti-Doping at the IPC, said: “This case serves as a reminder to those athletes who have agreed to participate in any World Para Sports’ competition or who have signed the IPC’s Athlete Eligibility Agreement. Regardless of their level of experience, these athletes have a responsibility to understand and comply with their obligations under the IPC Anti-Doping Code. This includes taking steps to ensure that anything they consume does not contain a substance included on the WADA Prohibited List. The IPC has anti-doping jurisdiction over the World Para Sports, and this applies at all times, whether in-competition or out-of-competition.
“The IPC would also remind National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) to ensure their anti-doping rules are drafted so as to ensure that they have jurisdiction and results management authority over Para athletes where appropriate.”
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 Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has submitted proposed rule changes to its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for review. Red-lined documents noting these proposed changes are available here:
The FTC will subsequently post the proposed rules to the federal register for public comment.
Until changes to the rules are approved by the FTC, the previously approved version of HISA’s ADMC rules, which took effect May 22, 2023, will remain in place. Those rules are available in full on HISA’s Regulations Page.
Similar to the proposed Racetrack Safety rule changes which HISA submitted to the FTC in September, the proposed changes to the ADMC rules were developed after months of dialogue with and feedback from racing participants across the country, including HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group. During this time, the proposed rules were shared with industry members for informal comments and published on HISA’s website for additional industry input. The proposed changes submitted to the FTC today were reviewed and approved by HISA’s ADMC Committee and full Board of Directors.
When and if these rule changes are approved by the FTC, HISA will undertake robust educational efforts to ensure horsemen nationwide are fully aware of these changes and well-equipped to comply with them before they go into effect.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announces that, following a recommendation from WADA’s Laboratory Expert Advisory Group (Lab EAG) dated 7 November 2023, the Chair of WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo), Witold Bańka, has approved lifting the Analytical Testing Restriction (ATR) for the Gas Chromatography / Combustion / Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) method that was initially imposed on the anti-doping laboratory in Havana, Cuba, on 16 November 2022.
The ExCo Chair’s decision to lift the ATR took effect on 9 November 2023. Consequently, as of this date, the laboratory was able to resume all of its anti-doping activities. However, as part of the decision to lift the ATR, the laboratory shall seek a second opinion before reporting an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) or Atypical Finding (ATF) based on GC/C/IRMS analyses for a period of 12 months of the date of the decision.
The ATR was initially imposed for a period of up to six months as a result of the Havana Laboratory’s non-compliances with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), the Technical Document for Endogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid and the Technical Document for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. In June 2023, in accordance with the ISL, the ATR was extended for a period of six months due to justified delays in addressing the conditions to lift it.
In October 2023, WADA’s Lab EAG reviewed the requested documentation provided by the Havana Laboratory. The documentation included evidence that the laboratory’s GC/C/IRMS method and management procedures were fit-for-purpose and compliant with the ISL and relevant Technical Documents.
Under the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring they maintain the highest quality standards.
Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of AusCycling to impose a three-year ban on athlete Jackson Sharples for the Presence, Use, Use and/or Attempted Use, and Possession of Prohibited Substances.
Mr Sharples returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF) from an In-Competition doping control test during the National Road Cycling Championships Masters Criterium on 14 January 2022.
His sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, which detected the presence of Anastrozole and its metabolite OH-Anastrozole, and Exogenous Testosterone and its metabolites Etiocholanolone, Androsterone and 5βAdiol.
It was also determined that on and/or before 14 January 2022, Mr Sharples used Anastrozole and Testosterone.
In addition, it was also determined:
- Between 16 August 2021 and 31 December 2021, Mr Sharples used and/or attempted to use Ipamorelin and/or DHEA.
- Between 16 August 2021 and 31 December 2021, Mr Sharples possessed Testosterone and/or Anastrozole and/or Ipamorelin and/or DHEA.
Mr Sharples is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 31 December 2024.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE
Under category S1 of the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List, Testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are anabolic agents prohibited both in-and out-of-competition.
Anabolic agents pose many threats to an athlete’s health and some side effects may include an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels which can lead to heart disease. Liver disease and infertility can also result from the use of these agents.
The substance Anastrozole is a class S4.1 substance under the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List 2021. Anastrozole is classified as a Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.
Anastrozole is a hormone and metabolic modulator prescribed to treat early breast cancer.
As the use of hormone and metabolic modulators interferes with the normal functioning nature of hormones, the endocrine system that controls these hormones is significantly impacted. This interferes can therefore increases the risk of severe illnesses.
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone for weight loss and is listed as a class S2.2 substance under the WADA Prohibited List. It is prohibited at all times.
The IIHF imposed a 3-month suspension on Phillip Marinaccio due to a violation of Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the IIHF Anti-Doping Code.
During an IIHF Team Whereabouts out-of-competition test on 3 April 2023, the player tested positive for terbutaline, a prohibited substance listed on the WADA Prohibited List under S3. Beta-2 Agonists as a specified substance.
The IIHF considered that the Anti-Doping Rule Violation was not committed intentionally, and that the player’s fault was not significant. Specifically, the player established that the source of the prohibited substance was an inhaler prescribed to him by a doctor and declared by the player on the doping control form.
The player was provisionally suspended as of 20 June 2023, and his 3-month suspension started on that date.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has banned Para athletics athlete Rodgers Kiprop for a period of three years for committing an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), in breach of the IPC Anti-Doping Code.
The Kenyan athlete returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for the administration of testosterone and/or its precursors in a urine sample provided out-of-competition on 15 June 2023.
Kehinde’s urine sample was analysed using a specialised type of analysis, known as Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), that differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. The GC/C/IRMS analysis confirmed the presence of testosterone and/or its metabolites of exogenous origin in Kehinde’s urine sample.
The substances are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List under the class S1.1 and are prohibited at all times.
The athlete was provisionally suspended by the IPC on 8 July 2023 pending a resolution of his case.
The athlete subsequently accepted the commission of the ADRV, and the consequences proposed by the IPC.
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 programs) for three years from 8 July 2023 to 7 July 2026.
All results obtained by the athlete from the date the sample was collected until the commencement of the provisional suspension are 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.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that rugby union player, Arran Perry has been given an additional six-month ban from all sport for breaching the terms of his current ban, also known as a violation of the prohibition against participation during a period of Ineligibility.
In September 2020, Mr Perry was issued with a four-year ban from sport by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel after a Sample he provided on 28 October 2019 returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for oxandrolone and its Metabolites. The ban commenced on 20 December 2019 and is due to end on 19 December 2023.
In November 2022, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) received information that Mr Perry had participated in a training session at Shepshed RFC. Following an investigation into the matter, Mr Perry was charged on 31 March 2023 with breaching the terms of his ban under Article 10.14.1 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). On 18 April 2023, Mr Perry accepted the breach alleged, as well as the additional six-month ban asserted by the RFU.
Mr Perry’s additional six-month ban from sport will therefore commence on 20 December 2023 (i.e., on expiration of his current ban) and will expire at midnight on 19 June 2024.
Jane Rumble, UKAD’s Chief Executive, added: “The Rules are in place to keep sport clean and to ensure a level playing field. UKAD will always ensure that action is taken to enforce the terms of bans on athletes who do not respect them.”
THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) IS ACTIVATING THE PRE-GAMES PHASE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 THAT IT IS LEADING ON BEHALF OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC). THE PRE-GAMES PROGRAM SUPPORTS WORLDWIDE ANTI-DOPING EFFORTS AHEAD OF THE GAMES TO ENSURE THAT ATHLETES LIKELY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT ARE SUBJECT TO A ROBUST AND RISK-PROPORTIONATE TESTING REGIME. THE ITA HAS APPOINTED A PRE-GAMES EXPERT GROUP TO SUPPORT THIS WORK BY ADDRESSING POTENTIAL GAPS AND ISSUING TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALL RELEVANT ANTI-DOPING ORGANISATIONS AROUND THE WORLD. FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ITA HAS ALSO APPOINTED A SUPERVISORY PANEL TO SUPPORT AND MONITOR THE WORK OF THE ITA PARIS 2024 PRE-GAMES EXPERT GROUP, ENSURING A BROAD REPRESENTATION TO HELP STRENGTHEN ANTI-DOPING MEASURES IN THIS IMPORTANT PHASE AHEAD OF THE GAMES.
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is still many months away, but one of the most important phases of the anti-doping program for the event has already commenced. When it comes to doping, special attention must be paid to the lead time before major sports events – both to discourage those that plan on resorting to prohibited substances or methods to qualify to or prepare for competitions, and to ensure that all athletes are competing on a level playing field at the Games, no matter where they come from. During this preparatory phase it is the responsibility of the respective International Federations (IFs) and National/Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs/RADOs) to subject their athletes to a proportionate doping control plan. The ITA Pre-Games program provides an additional layer of independent monitoring and support to ensure that athletes are tested adequately ahead of Paris 2024.
The ITA Paris 2024 Pre-Games Expert Group, consisting of four international experts from IFs and NADOs (see composition below) as well as specialised in-house ITA experts establish a bespoke risk assessment for athletes likely to participate in the Games. This assessment combines a large set of data and risk factors, including testing gaps observed across sports and countries. This allows the ITA Expert Group to share testing recommendations with other anti-doping organisations (these might be IFs or NADOs/RADOs) to ensure that effective testing is conducted globally through a coordinated effort.
Whereas the ITA-led Pre-Games program for Tokyo 2020 focused on issuing generic recommendations covering individual athletes and teams belonging to a large pool of potential participants in the Olympic Games, the model for Paris 2024 focuses on specific recommendations supporting the detection of gaps in strategic aspects of anti-doping programs. This approach is not only quantitative, but also integrates a qualitative component based on the experiences and data models that the ITA was able to establish based on its mission for Tokyo 2020. All targeted testing recommendations issued to the concerned IFs and NADOs/RADOs around the world will then be monitored by the ITA to help achieve their implementation. Additionally, further testing recommendations might be issued closer to the Games as the final list of athletes likely to participate in the event will be clearer. The Pre-Games phase of the anti-doping program for Paris 2024 will end with the opening of the Olympic Village on 18 July 2024.
To further promote the quality and transparency of the ITA Paris 2024 Pre-Games program, for the first time a Supervisory Panel was appointed by the ITA composed of Athletes’ representatives and members from eight IFs and NADOs to join the initiative in a supervisory and advisory role. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has also been invited to sit on the Supervisory Panel as observer and to monitor compliance aspects of the implementation of the testing recommendations.
ITA Director General Mr. Benjamin Cohen said: “We have harnessed important learnings from our clean sport mission for Tokyo 2020 which now help us improve further the Pre-Games anti-doping program for Paris 2024. This project emphasises the significance of true international collaboration for fair play at the Games as all concerned anti-doping organisations have to work towards the common goal of robust testing regimes ahead of Paris 2024. The ITA is honoured to coordinate this important work in such a key period for clean sport. We wish to thank in advance all the stakeholders for playing their part in this process: athletes who play fairly and make themselves available for testing, IFs and NADOs which dedicate constant efforts to implement solid testing programs, the World Anti-Doping Agency for its important compliance monitoring role to ensure that all organisations carry out the necessary controls in a timely manner, all the laboratories which will work under increased pressure up until the opening of the Games and finally all the experts who contribute to this global effort to safeguard the integrity of the Games and protect the athletes’ right to take part in clean competitions. The Pre-Games phase of the anti-doping program is our shared responsibility, and together, we will strive for integrity, excellence, and true sportsmanship in the pursuit of clean sport.”
Member of the WADA Athlete Council, Iñaki Gomez, said: “For many athletes, the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Paris, France, will be the highlight of their careers. WADA and the global anti-doping community have been working together to maintain the integrity of the system in preparation so that athletes can have the level playing field they deserve. In the build-up to the Games, it is important that all Anti-Doping Organizations make the most of the remaining time to ensure that athletes are tested to the appropriate level. I am delighted to be part of the Paris 2024 Pre-Games Supervisory Panel being led by the ITA to make sure that athletes are ready for the Games from an anti-doping perspective and that above all, the integrity and fairness of sport can be upheld.”
Published Friday, 27 October 2023.
The FEI Tribunal has issued a Final Decision under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping Rules Article 2.3 for Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit the horse to Sample Collection.
In this case, the athlete Ayedh Al Mughamer (FEI ID 10174065/KSA), failed to submit the horse Talaqah (FEI ID 108BA98/KSA), to the doping control station for a sample collection at the CEI1* 100 Riyadh (KSA), 10-11 February 2023.
The horse was selected for a mandatory in-competition doping control test on 11 February following a positive hyposensitivity examination. The athlete refused the testing and left the event with the horse.
In its final decision the FEI Tribunal imposed a two-year ineligibility period on the athlete from the date of the decision, the provisional suspension served by the athlete will be credited against the period of ineligibility. The athlete was also fined CHF 7,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 2,000. Lastly, the results of the horse and athlete combination from the event will be disqualified.
The full Decision is available here.
Separately, the FEI has notified an alleged Equine Anti-Doping Rule Violation under the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs). In this case, the athlete has been provisionally suspended until the decision of the FEI Tribunal and the horse has been provisionally suspended for two months.
THE ITA SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTES TRIATHLETE YULIA YELISTRATOVA (UKRAINE) BEFORE THE ANTI-DOPING DIVISION OF THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS ADD), WHICH HAS RULED THAT SHE HAS COMMITTED AN ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION (ADRV) FOR PRESENCE OF EPO AND HAS SANCTIONED THE ATHLETE WITH 5 YEARS OF INELIGIBILITY AND DISQUALIFICATION OF ALL RESULTS.
As previously reported by the ITA, the matter concerns an in-competition sample collected by World Triathlon from Yulia Yelistratova on 5 June 2021 in the scope of the 2021 Europe Triathlon Cup in Dnipro, Ukraine and out-of-competition samples collected by the ITA on 23 July 2021 under the Testing Authority of the International Olympic Committee in Tokyo, Japan. The analysis of the samples returned Adverse Analytical Findings for recombinant erythropoietin (EPO, S2. Peptide, Hormones, Growth Factors, related substances, and mimetics). The athlete had been provisionally suspended by the ITA ahead of her competition in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that took place in July 2021.
Following the Results Management process, the ITA submitted the matter for adjudication to CAS ADD. A hearing took place before CAS ADD on 23 January 2023 at which the ITA represented World Triathlon.
After hearing the parties and considering the written submissions and evidence, CAS ADD found that the athlete had committed an ADRV under Art. 2.1 of the World Triathlon Anti-Doping Rules for the Presence of EPO in her samples. CAS ADD also concluded that aggravating circumstances had been established in this case and hence the period of ineligibility imposed was 5 years, starting from 25 July 2021 until 24 July 2026 and disqualification of all competitive results from 5 June 2021 onwards.
No parties have appealed the decision; the CAS ADD decision is final and binding. No further comments will be made on this case.
