A guide to the expected changes to the WADA Code in the 2027 edition
The World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) was established in 1999 following – among others – the 1998 Festina doping scandal in cycling. The first WADA Code (“WADC/Code”) was published in 2003 with the aim to harmonise anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sports organisations and among public authorities around the world.
Thereafter, the WADC was updated every six years with Codes coming into force in 2009, 2015 and the current version in 2021. The WADC is complemented by 8 mandatory International Standards, including the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods[1].
The 2027 Code Review was launched in September 2023[2]. To date, the Second Drafting Phase has been concluded, and the Third Consultation Phase is ongoing until the end of May 2025. A final Draft of the Code is expected by the end of August 2025 and will then be approved during the 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sport at the beginning of December 2025.
The following sections take a closer look at the expected changes for the 2027 WADC concerning the sanctioning scheme and the potential for reductions of the otherwise applicable sanction.
This article examines:
To continue reading or watching login or register here
Already a member? Sign in
Get access to all of the expert analysis and commentary at LawInSport including articles, webinars, conference videos and podcast transcripts. Find out more here.
- Tags: Governance | Regulation | WADA Code 2027 | World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) | World Anti-Doping Code (WADA Code)
Related Articles
- WADA’s 2025 Prohibited List: Context and key changes
- Jannik Sinner doping case: Lessons from first instance decision
- Sport & Anti-Doping – Annual Review 2024/25
- Pioneering legal representation in tennis: The PTPA’s Athlete Counsel & Equity (ACE) Program
- Entourage selection, athlete responsibility, & 'substantial assistance': Lessons from Mitoglou v FIBA doping case
Written by
Erika Riedl
Erika is a multi-lingual sports lawyer with almost two decades of experience. She specializes in regulatory, governance and integrity matters. She worked for international sports federations and organisations in various functions, as well as a Legal Counsel for the Swiss Arbitration Centre. Currently, she is Counsel at epartners in Zurich, Switzerland.
Erika also acts as an arbitrator and mediator (CEDR). She is a member of the International Panel of Sport Resolutions, the Disciplinary Tribunal of World Athletics, the Anti-Doping Panel of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), and an arbitrator for Riot Games’ Dispute Resolution for Esports in EMEA. She is also a member of the Integrity Board of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
Erika has a keen interest in esports. She is a doctoral researcher in esports integrity, and she lectures esports law at the private university HAM in Ismaning, Germany.
