Boxing Athlete Nathan Lugo Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Nathan Lugo, of Marietta, Ga., an athlete in the sport of boxing, has accepted a one-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.

Lugo, 19, tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a urinary metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, above the urinary Decision Limit, as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the 2023 USA Boxing National Championships on December 9, 2023. Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Federation anti-doping rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

In the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA.

Lugo’s period of ineligibility was reduced to one month because his use of cannabis occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, and because he successfully completed a substance of abuse treatment program regarding his use of cannabis. Lugo’s positive test was caused by oral ingestion of a gummy listing delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, on the label. Athletes are reminded that all substances and products containing synthetic and/or natural tetrahydrocannabinols, including but not limited to delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, are prohibited in-competition. Further, the US FDA has specific consumer warnings on delta-8 THC products as they have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.

Lugo’s one-month period of ineligibility is the minimum allowed under the rules and began on February 5, 2024, the date he accepted the sanction. In addition, Lugo has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on December 9, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

WADA seeks input on each year’s updated version of the Prohibited List. USADA has advocated and will continue to advocate to WADA, the rule maker, to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use.

Huddersfield Town's Kian Harratt Suspended For Four Months And Fined £3,200

Huddersfield Town’s Kian Harratt has been suspended for four months and fined £3,200 following breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.

It was alleged that the forward had breached FA Rule E8.1 by placing 484 bets on football matches between 30 June 2020 and 3 June 2023, and he subsequently admitted to this charge.

An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions after a hearing, and its written reasons for them can be seen here. 

U.S. Cycling Athlete Frank Travieso Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Frank Travieso, of Athens, Ga., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a six-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

Travieso, 43, tested positive for ephedrine at a concentration greater than the threshold of 10 micrograms per milliliter as the result of a urine sample collected at the Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup on September 3, 2023. Ephedrine is a Specified Substance in the class of Stimulants and is prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

After investigating, USADA determined that Travieso was using a medication containing ephedrine, which he obtained over the counter at the direction of a physician, but he lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Upon review, Travieso did not qualify for a retroactive TUE.

Travieso’s six-month period of ineligibility began on September 21, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Travieso has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to September 3, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

EFL Statement: Doncaster Rovers

In Autumn 2023, the EFL issued Doncaster Rovers with a financial penalty of £2,000 alongside a three-transfer window fee restriction as a result of the Club accumulating 30 days or more of late payments in the current 12-month period (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024).  

As permitted by EFL Regulations, the Club opted to appeal the decision on the basis that the transfer window fee restriction imposed was disproportionate to the offence committed and the matter was referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission.   

On review of the case, the Commission has determined that the three-transfer window fee restriction is to stand but with the second (August 2024) and third (January 2025) windows suspended and triggered upon a further breach. The Club is still required to pay the £2,000 fine.  

The Commission’s decision can be viewed here. 

EFL Statement: Swindon Town

In Autumn 2023, the EFL issued Swindon Town with a financial penalty of £2,000 alongside a three-transfer window fee restriction as a result of the Club accumulating 30 days or more of late payments in the current 12-month period (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024).  

As permitted by EFL Regulations, the Club opted to appeal the both the fine and fee restriction on the basis that the sanction was disproportionate to the offence committed by the Club. The matter was referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission.   

On review of the case, the Commission has determined that the three-transfer window fee restriction should be reduced to two with the second window (August 2024) suspended and triggered upon a further breach. The Club is still required to pay the £2,000 fine.  

The Commission’s decision can be viewed here.  

FIFA publishes second CAS & Football Annual Report 2023

Subhash Bhandari found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct

Nepal U19 bowler, Subhash Bhandari, has received a reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup match against Pakistan in East London on 24 January.

Bhandari was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match.”

In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Bhandari’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.

The incident occurred at the end of the 14th over of Pakistan’s innings when Bhandari threw the ball inappropriately towards batter Shahzaib Khan, hitting him on the forearm.

Bhandari admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Graeme Labrooy of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Phil Gillespie and Bongani Jele, TV umpire Forster Mutizwa and fourth umpire, K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan levelled the charge.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Rugby League Player Sanctioned

Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) to impose a two year and eight months ban on athlete William Boland, for the Presence of a metabolite of a Prohibited Substance, Use of a Prohibited Substance and Possession of a Prohibited Substance.

Mr Boland, who played for the Redcliffe Dolphins, returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 22 June 2022.

Mr Boland’s sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, and the presence of a metabolite of a Prohibited Substance, namely Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)), was detected.

The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is listed under Class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) under the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List – 2022 (Prohibited List 2022). The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a Non-Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.

It was also determined that on and/or before 22 June 2022 Mr Boland Used a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), and from on and/or around 6 December 2021 to on and/or around 18 May 2022 Mr Boland Possessed a Prohibited Substance, namely LGD-4033 (Ligandrol).

Queensland Rugby League thereby imposed a two year and eight months ban on Mr Boland commencing on 18 May 2022.

Mr Boland is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 18 January 2025. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league or Event organised by a non-signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level Event organisation.

EFL Statement: Reading FC

Reading v Port Vale 

The EFL Board has determined that the Sky Bet League One fixture between Reading and Port Vale should be replayed in full following its abandonment on Saturday 13 January 2024. 

Following a 16^th minute pitch incursion by a number of Reading supporters in protest at the ownership of the Club, the players and coaching teams were removed from the pitch, and it soon became clear that re-starting would not be possible.   

Having considered all relevant factors relating to the decision taken by the match officials and club stadium staff, alongside the options available to them in accordance with the Regulations, the Board felt the most appropriate course of action was to reschedule the fixture in full. 

The game will now take place on Tuesday 20^th February 2024, kick-off 8pm.  Both Clubs are liaising on the issue of ticket sales and will communicate arrangements via the normal channels.  

Sanction for Non-Fulfilment of a Fixture   

Following the abandonment, the League entered discussions with Reading in respect of the potential sanction to be imposed as a result of the Club failing to fulfil its fixture obligations and have now reached a consensus by way of an Agreed Decision, in accordance with EFL Regulations.   

The Club is now subject to a suspended three-point deduction with the sanction to be activated in either the 2023/2024 season or the 2024/2025 season if any fixture played in any EFL competition is postponed or abandoned due to disruption (including incursion onto the field of play) by the Club’s supporters. If it is required, the suspended three-point deduction will become active with immediate effect in the season during which the breach occurs.  

This level of sanction remains consistent with action taken in previous circumstances where an abandonment of an EFL fixture has taken place. The League continues to recognise the ongoing challenges for the Club and its supporter base and notes the views expressed at the supporter meeting held with the EFL last week in respect of imposing further immediate points deductions on the Club.  

This approach aims to balance the requirements of the EFL as the competition organiser to uphold its Regulations on behalf of all member Clubs whilst providing clarity to all associated parties on the impact of any future non-fulfilment of a fixture, coming as direct result of supporter protests.   

The decision is available HERE

Mr Dai Yongge  

The owner of the Club, Mr Dai Yongge, has today been charged with misconduct for his repeated failures to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated bank account.  

Mr Dai did not meet this month’s deadline, meaning he has been in default for nearly four months and remains in breach of both the first decision (August 2023) and second decision (December 2023) as ordered by the independent Disciplinary Commission. 

He has also been charged with bringing the Club and/or League into disrepute as a result of his actions.  

Both charges have been referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. 

Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse player Oakley Thomas accepts a 3-month period of ineligibility

THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT HAUDENOSAUNEE NATIONALS LACROSSE PLAYER OAKLEY THOMAS HAS ACCEPTED A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.

FIFA introduces new regulatory framework for national dispute resolution chambers

FIFA has reached a key milestone in the modernisation of the regulatory framework for national dispute resolution chambers (NDRCs) following the approval by the FIFA Council in December 2023 of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles, which incorporate the new National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations.

The regulatory framework for NDRCs was unchanged for almost two decades, and it thus became increasingly evident that it no longer served the current needs of all football stakeholders.

This new regulatory framework for NDRCs has been thoroughly discussed with stakeholders from the professional game, whose expertise and commitment have been pivotal in the adaptation of the relevant framework.

The key objectives of the revised framework are to provide clarity and the necessary legal certainty with regard to jurisdiction, structure, applicable requirements and potential formal and permanent recognition by FIFA of existing NDRCs.

The new relevant regulatory framework consists of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles, which establish, inter alia, the required standards for a national dispute resolution system to be recognised by FIFA and the revised National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations, which are designed to assist member associations with the establishment of procedural rules to govern the organisation, composition and functions of an NDRC.

FIFA will continue improving the FIFA regulations in line with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027.

The National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles and the accompanying Annexe (National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations), the revised edition of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, as well as the Explanatory Notes on the New Regulatory Framework for National Dispute Resolution Chambers are available on legal.fifa.com.

National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles

Explanatory Notes on the New Regulatory Framework for National Dispute Resolution Chambers

Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players

Sanction: Basketball

Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Kurbanov Nikita (basketball) ineligible for 3 months for violation under cl. 4.1 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on January 10, 2024, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from October 20, 2023.

WADA Rules Require Publication of Even No Fault Violations: Pet Medication Causes No Fault Violation for Para Track and Field Athlete

USADA announced today that Roderick Townsend of Glendale, Ariz., an athlete in the sport of para track and field, has returned an adverse analytical finding for a prohibited substance that was not specifically listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. After an investigation, USADA determined that the athlete was exposed to this substance through no fault of his own. Townsend will therefore not face a period of ineligibility for his out-of-competition test, but under the World Anti-Doping Code, his no fault violation must be publicly disclosed.

“With increasing detection and investigation capabilities, it’s our responsibility to ensure that we protect innocent athletes while holding accountable intentional cheaters,” said Travis T. Tygart, Chief Executive Officer of USADA. “WADA rules require publication of no fault findings such as this to remain compliant with the rules. We will continue to fervently advocate to WADA that athletes shouldn’t be charged with violations or subjected to public scrutiny when they inadvertently come into contact with a prohibited substance and there is no effect on performance.”

Townsend, 31, tested positive for capromorelin as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample he provided on November 1, 2023. Capromorelin, although not specifically listed on the 2023 WADA Prohibited List, is considered by WADA to be a Non-Specified Substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. It is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List. Following USADA’s feedback during the annual List consultation process, Capromorelin is now specifically named on the 2024 WADA Prohibited List that came into effect Jan 1, 2024.

During USADA’s investigation into his case, Townsend provided USADA with records of a prescription liquid pet medication containing capromorelin, an appetite stimulant that had been prescribed by a veterinarian to maintain his ailing dog’s weight. He administered the medication to his dog orally via syringe each day during the final weeks of his pet’s life. After his dog unfortunately passed away, Townsend stored the syringe he used to administer the medication. He later used the syringe, which did not contain any obvious residue, to measure out and orally administer a liquid vitamin D supplement recommended by his nutritionist.

Through its investigation, USADA determined that Townsend, through no fault of his own, inadvertently ingested capromorelin residue that was present in the syringe. Administration data from a peer-reviewed published study confirms that exceedingly small amounts of orally-ingested capromorelin can cause a positive test consistent with the miniscule levels detected in Townsend’s sample. Therefore, because Townsend tested positive despite any fault or negligence, he will not face a period of ineligibility. Since the sample was collected out-of-competition, there are no competitive results to disqualify.

Everton and Nottingham Forest confirm Premier League PSR breaches

The two clubs have each confirmed to the Premier League that they are in breach of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules

County and League Appeals Results Circular For December 2023

If produced and published, written reasons can be found for Appeal Board hearings by clicking *here* and selecting “County Appeal” on the “Offence Type” dropdown list. Alternatively, use this URL: https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/discipline/written-reasons.  

OJM Black Country FC v Midland Football League – 1 December 
Appellant: Club 
Charge: League Rule 8.34 – Failure to fulfil a fixture
Decision: 3-points deduction, £250 fine, game to be replayed
Result: Appeal Allowed; sanction varied – 3-points deduction quashed, remainder of decision remains as originally imposed. 

Written Reasons: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/discipline-cases/2023/ojm-black-country-fc-v-midland-football-league---appeal-board---4-december-2023.ashx

Gareth Bowers v West Riding FA – 1 December
Appellant: Manager 
Charge: FA Rule E3.1 - acted in a manner that was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute
Sanction: 3-match suspension, a £40 fine, warned as to future conduct
Result: Appeal Dismissed

Lardi FC v Hampshire FA – 13 December
Appellant: Club
Charge: FA Rule E21 - Failed to ensure spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any match.
Sanction: a £60 fine
Result: Appeal Allowed; charge and sanction quashed. 

Ashley Davies v Gloucestershire FA – 13 December
Appellant: Player (open age)
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official - (including threatening and/or
abusive language/behaviour)
Sanction: 126-days suspension, a £50 fine, to complete an education course and 7 Club penalty points.
Result: Appeal Allowed; sanction varied – touchline and ground/venue suspension removed, remainder of sanction remains as originally imposed. 

Written Reasons: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/discipline-cases/2024/ashley-davies-v-gloucestershire-fa---appeal-board---8-january-2024.ashx

Staveley Miners Welfare FC v Northern Counties East Football League – 14 December
Appellant: Club 
Charge: League Rule 8.43 – Failure to fulfil a fixture
Sanction: a £250 fine
Result: Appeal Dismissed

Wetherby Athletic Junior FC v West Riding FA – 18 December
Appellant: Club
Charge: FA Rule E20 - Failed to ensure directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match
Sanction: a £40 fine
Result: Appeal Allowed; charge and sanction quashed.

Written Reasons: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/discipline-cases/2023/wetherby-athletic-fc-juniors-v-west-riding-fa---appeal-board---19-december-2023.ashx

Ciaran Gill v Hampshire FA – 19 December
Appellant: Player (open age)
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct - Assault or Attempted Assault on a Match Official
Sanction: 5-year suspension, to complete a face-to-face education course, 5 club penalty points
Result: Appeal Dismissed.

Lee Alder v Berks & Bucks FA – 28 December
Appellant: Player (open age)
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official (including physical
contact or attempted physical contact and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour)
Sanction: 143-day suspension, a £75 fine, 8 club penalty points and to complete an online education course
Result: Appeal Dismissed.

Mtown Rovers FC v Berks & Bucks FA – 28 December
Appellant: Club
Charge: FA Rule E21 - Failed to ensure spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to
be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match
Sanction: a £75 fine
Result: Appeal Dismissed. 

If produced and published, written reasons can be found for Appeal Board hearings by clicking *here* and selecting “County Appeal” on the “Offence Type” dropdown list. Alternatively, use this URL: https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/discipline/written-reasons.

Sanction: Bodybuilding

Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Pilyasova Ekaterina (bodybuilding) ineligible for 3 years for violation under cl. 4.3 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on December 14, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from October 23, 2023.

NIL-related recruiting violation occurred in Florida State football program

A Florida State assistant football coach violated NCAA rules when he facilitated an impermissible recruiting contact between a transfer prospect and a booster, according to an agreement released by the Division I Committee on Infractions. During that contact, the booster encouraged the prospect to enroll at Florida State and offered a name, image and likeness deal as a recruiting inducement. The assistant coach then violated ethical conduct rules when he provided false or misleading information about his involvement in the arranged meeting.

The school, assistant coach and enforcement staff agreed that the violation occurred after a prospective transfer student-athlete entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and communicated with the assistant coach to arrange an official visit to Florida State. During that visit, the assistant coach transported the prospect and his parents to and from an off-campus meeting with a booster, who at the time was the chief executive officer of an NIL collective that also was a booster. The prospect and his parents stated the assistant coach informed them that they would be meeting with the booster. The coach did not stay for the meeting.

During the meeting, the booster encouraged the prospect to enroll at Florida State and offered him an NIL opportunity with the collective worth approximately $15,000 per month during his first year at the school. After the meeting, the booster contacted the prospect and the prospect's mother via text message and/or phone call. Shortly thereafter, the prospect withdrew his name from the Transfer Portal and remained at his previous school. The prospect did not enter into an agreement with the booster or receive any related compensation.

The school and enforcement staff agreed that the meeting with the booster violated several recruiting rules. Specifically, the meeting constituted an impermissible recruiting contact because boosters are not authorized recruiters and generally cannot have in-person, off-campus contact with prospects. The booster also violated recruiting rules when he initiated telephonic communication with the prospect and his mother. Additionally, the booster's proposed NIL opportunity constituted an impermissible recruiting inducement.

The school, enforcement staff and assistant coach also agreed that during the enforcement staff's investigation, the assistant coach violated unethical conduct rules when he knowingly provided false or misleading information about his knowledge of and involvement in the violations. Specifically, on two occasions, he denied facilitating the meeting between the booster, prospect and prospect's family. However, the assistant coach was truthful about aspects of the violations, including acknowledging his role in transporting the prospect and his parents to the location where they met with the booster. Although providing false and misleading information historically supports a Level I violation, the unique facts and circumstances of this case supported a Level II violation. 

This case was processed through the negotiated resolution process. The process was used instead of a formal hearing or summary disposition because the university, enforcement staff and assistant coach agreed on the violations and the penalties. The Division I Committee on Infractions panel reviewed the case to determine whether the resolution was in the best interests of the Association and whether the agreed-upon penalties were reasonable. Negotiated resolutions may not be appealed and do not set case precedent for other infractions cases.

The university, enforcement staff and assistant coach used ranges identified by the Division I membership-approved infractions penalty guidelines to agree upon Level II-standard penalties for the university and Level II-aggravated penalties for the assistant coach. The decision contains the full list of penalties as approved by the Committee on Infractions, including:

• Two years of probation.
• A two-year show cause order for the assistant coach, including a suspension from the next three regular-season games, a two-week restriction on recruiting communication, and required attendance at a NCAA Regional Rules Seminar attendance.
• A restriction from off-campus recruiting during fall 2023 for the assistant coach.
• A three-year disassociation from the booster. 
• A one-year disassociation from the collective.
• A $5,000 fine plus 1% of the football budget.
• A 5% reduction in football scholarships over the two-year probationary period, amounting to a total reduction of five scholarships.
• A reduction in official (paid) visits in the football program in the 2023-24 academic year by seven. The school also will not roll over six unused official visits from the 2022-23 academic year.
• A reduction in football recruiting communications for a total of six weeks during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.
• A reduction in the number of in-person recruiting days during the 2023-24 academic year by six evaluation days during fall 2023 and 18 during spring 2024.

Members of the Committee on Infractions are drawn from the NCAA membership and members of the public. The members of the panel who reviewed this case are Tricia Turley Brandenburg, chief hearing officer for the panel and executive associate athletics director and senior woman administrator at Army West Point; Stephen Madva, attorney in private practice; and Vince Nicastro, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the Big East Conference.

The ITA imposes a 2-year sanction on IRONMAN athlete

The ITA, on behalf of IRONMAN, hereby reports that Brazil athlete Derik Felix Afornali has committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) under article 2.1 of the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Rules (IRONMAN ADR) for the presence of clomifene in a sample collected out-of-competition by IRONMAN on 4 October 2022.

The sample collected from Derik Felix Afornali returned an adverse analytical finding for the specified prohibited substance clomifene. Clomifene is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List as hormone and metabolic modulator (S4.2). Clomifene has the potential effects of boosting or restoring testosterone production and thus increasing muscle mass.

Derik Felix Afornali did not challenge the ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA. A two year period of ineligibility is the standard sanction for specified substances.  Accordingly, this case was resolved via an acceptance of consequences pursuant to article 8.3.1 of the IRONMAN ADR. The athlete’s period of ineligibility across all sports ran until 3 October 2024 and any competition results obtained by the athlete after the positive test of 4 October 2022 are disqualified.

Court of Arbitration for Sport partially upholds Sherazad Reix appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially upheld an appeal from French tennis player Sherazad Reix against a disciplinary sanction imposed on 31 January 2023. 

The CAS ruling means that Reix’s period of ineligibility has been reduced from four years to two, and their fine from $30,000 to $10,000, with three breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) found. 
 
Reix was found liable for six breaches of the TACP in 2023 by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Amani Khalifa. For full details, including the written decision, click here. 
 
The player’s period of ineligibility runs from 31 January 2023 and will end on 30 January 2025.  

During the period of ineligibility, Reix is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.  

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide. 

The ITA publishes National Olympic Committee (NOC) Clean Sport Education Guide for the Olympic Games Paris 2024

ENSURING ATHLETES AND THEIR ENTOURAGE ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE TO SAFEGUARD THEMSELVES AGAINST DOPING IS PARAMOUNT. THE NOC CLEAN SPORT EDUCATION GUIDE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 IS A RESOURCE CRAFTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (WADA). IT HELPS NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES (NOCS) PARTICIPATING IN THE UPCOMING OLYMPIC GAMES TO PROVIDE CLEAN SPORT EDUCATION FOR THEIR ATHLETES AND ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSONNEL (ASP) IN PREPARATION FOR THE EVENT.  

NOCs have a specific responsibility around Major Events to educate athletes selected to participate in the Games and their ASP, in cooperation with the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) and National Federations (NFs).

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NOC CLEAN SPORT EDUCATION GUIDE: A RESOURCE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024

The WADA International Standard for Education promotes the principle that athletes and their ASP should be educated prior to arriving at a Major Games or event. Consistent clean sport education being imperative throughout an athlete’s career, the ITA’s NOC Clean Sport Education Guide for Paris 2024 supports this endeavour in the lead-up to the Games to educate and protect them. This is highlighted by Benjamin Cohen, ITA Director General: “Providing education resources and activities prior to the Games is an additional measure to ensure the well-being of all athletes involved, raise awareness of doping control procedures and provide a solid foundation for fair play for Paris 2024. We thank the IOC and WADA for their valuable support in this initiative and trust that the NOCs will find this guide useful in their preparation efforts.”

“As the body charged with delivering an independent anti-doping program in Paris on behalf of the IOC, it is imperative that we uphold the integrity of the event, not just through testing, but in all facets of clean sport.”

The guide was designed specifically for NOCs but is available to all organisations to support the principle that an athlete’s first experience with anti-doping should be through education rather than doping control.

Collaboration and cooperation are vital for clean sport and the ITA would like to thank Anti-Doping Denmark (ADD), the Azerbaijan National Antidoping Agency (AMADA), the Doping Authority Netherlands (Dopingautoriteit), Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ), the Slovenia Anti-Doping Organisation (SLOADO), NADA Germany, the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) and the Southeast Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (SEARADO) for their contributions to the Guidebook.

The ITA has also collaborated with WADA and the IOC to prepare a dedicated online education course for athletes and coaches aiming to attend the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The course is available on WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) and was launched in October 2023. The ITA also continues to offer all athletes, ASP, coaches and anyone interested freely accessible monthly webinars on various clean sport topics. A dedicated edition on the Paris 2024 anti-doping program will be held on 30 May 2024, the registration is already open and available here. The archive of previous editions of the webinars can be found here.

For any questions related to the ITA Paris 2024 NOC Clean Sport Education Guide or clean sport education, please contact our education team – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

U.S. Cycling Athlete Christian DesChamps Accepts Sanction for Whereabouts Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Christian DesChamps, of Cypress, Texas, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 14-month sanction for committing three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period.

“Providing accurate and timely Whereabouts information can be a chore for athletes, but it’s an incredibly important one that helps ensure they can compete on a level playing field,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “Whereabouts information enables the no advance notice, out-of-competition testing necessary to detect prohibited substances with short detection windows and this is critical to keeping dopers on the sideline.”

At the time of the Whereabouts Failures, DesChamps, 19, was a member of the USADA Registered Testing Pool (RTP), which consists of a select group of elite athletes subject to certain Whereabouts requirements to be located for out-of-competition testing. Within a 4-month period, DesChamps accrued three Whereabouts Failures, the first for a Filing Failure on March 26, 2023; the second for a Filing Failure on July 1, 2023; and the third for a Filing Failure on July 17, 2023. Shortly after committing his third Whereabouts Failure, DesChamps submitted his official retirement notice on July 25, 2023.

The accumulation of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period constitutes a rule violation under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code. The period of ineligibility for Whereabouts rule violations ranges from one year to two years depending on the athlete’s degree of fault. In this case, USADA determined that a 14-month period of ineligibility was appropriate because DesChamps’s degree of fault was relatively low given the unique personal circumstances of the case.

DesChamps’s 14-month period of ineligibility began on January 24, 2024, the date he returned from retirement. In addition, DesChamps has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to July 17, 2023, the date of his third Whereabouts Failure in a 12-month period, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.

WADA welcomes Court of Arbitration for Sport decision in case of Russian Olympic Committee figure skater

WADA welcomes the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold its appeal and impose a four-year period of ineligibility on the Russian Olympic Committee figure skater, Kamila Valieva, as well as disqualify her results from the date of the sample collection on 25 December 2021, including all her results during the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. WADA took this appeal to CAS in the interests of fairness for athletes and clean sport and we believe that has been delivered through this decision.  

The doping of children is unforgivable. Doctors, coaches or other support personnel who are found to have provided performance-enhancing substances to minors should face the full force of the World Anti-Doping Code. Indeed, WADA encourages governments to consider passing legislation – as some have done already – making the doping of minors a criminal offence.  

On 24 January 2024, WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations Department published the report from ‘Operation Refuge’, a broad analysis and examination of doping among minors in sport. The report describes in detail the deep trauma and isolation many child athletes experience following a positive doping test. The report recommends that a greater emphasis be placed on education and the provision of specific policies and procedures for dealing with minors.   

WADA understands the frustration of the affected parties in relation to the time it took to complete this case. Indeed, WADA shared those frustrations, which is why, at every stage of the process, including during the first instance proceedings in Russia, WADA pushed hard for a timely resolution. 

Note: The impact that this disqualification of results will have on the outcome of the team figure skating competition at Beijing 2022 is a matter for the International Skating Union and the International Olympic Committee. 

Bosnian official provisionally suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Bosnian national-level tennis official Damjan Dejanovic has been provisionally suspended from the sport, pending the full consideration of Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) charges. 

Since 8 January 2024, Dejanovic has been prohibited from officiating at or attending any sanctioned tennis events authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.

The provisional suspension was imposed under Section F.3.b.i.4 of the TACP, and was not appealed by Dejanovic:

F.3.b.i.4: ‘There is a likelihood that the Covered Person has committed a Major Offense and in the absence of a Provisional Suspension, the integrity of tennis would be undermined and the harm resulting from the absence of a Provisional Suspension outweighs the Hardship of the Provisional Suspension on the Covered Person.’

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide. 

FIFA Appeal Committee confirms ban on former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales

The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered its decision on the appeal lodged by Mr Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), against the decision issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee banning him from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years.

After analysing the submissions presented to it and conducting a hearing, the Appeal Committee decided to dismiss the appeal, and to confirm the sanction imposed upon Mr Rubiales. Amongst other considerations, the Appeal Committee was comfortably satisfied that Mr Rubiales behaved in a manner contrary to the principles enshrined under article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during and after the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

The findings of the decision passed by the Appeal Committee were notified today to Mr Rubiales. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, will subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.

Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein announced as Silver Sponsors for the 5th Edition of LawInSport’s Sports Law Arbitration Moot

We are delighted to announce Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein (“ASD Law”) as a Silver Sponsor for the 5th edition of the global Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM) competition. The SLAM Grand Finals of the competition will take place on 12-13 April 2024 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The SLAM is a student moot competition, organised to promote greater knowledge of the values and rules of international sports arbitration, the go to dispute resolution mechanism in the sector.

SLAM provides students from around the world the opportunity to:

1. Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
2. Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules;
3. Receive complimentary training on drafting written submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.

Students compete for the chance to win:

• £1500 for the winners of the competition
• £1000 for the runners-up of the competition

Alexander Engelhard, Counsel at ASD Law, said “SLAM is the leading sports arbitration moot competition in the world and we are delighted to support it once again. ASD’s sports dispute resolution practice is a main pillar of our work and we are committed to help develop tomorrow’s leaders in the sector”. Dr. David Stadtfeld, Senior Associate at ASD Law added “as a former (Vis) moot court participant, I had some great experiences around developing my advocacy skills and community building during my studies, which highly benefited my professional career. I am now beyond excited to be involved with another prestigious and truly international moot competition, and to share my knowledge and experiences with ambitious students.” 

Sean Cottrell, CEO at LawInSport added "We are thrilled to welcome ASD Law as a Silver Sponsor again for the 5th Edition of SLAM. Their support will be instrumental in building upon our relationship from the last edition in providing our participants with the opportunity to hone their skills in a world-class setting. Arbitration plays a crucial role in sports law in ensuring fairness and upholding the integrity of the game. This competition fosters the next generation of legal minds who will champion these values, and ASD Law’s continued partnership underscores their commitment to the future of sports law."

About SLAM 

SLAM welcomes legal students from all over the world and strives to be diverse in its student and judging base. Deserving students are provided with financial assistance for both the registration fee and the costs of appearing in the in-person rounds of the competition (if they advance), where there is demonstrated financial need, to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from receiving the exposure to sports law through the competition.

SLAM is a non-for-profit initiative that brings together people from around the world to support and provide opportunities for students to connect, gain valuable experience that will help them in their career in law and sport. SLAM has seen:

• 120 teams from 20+ countries entering the competition
• 80+ teams have benefited from receiving written submission and oral advocacy training from leading advocates and arbitrators.  
• 80+ CAS Arbitrators & 100+ advocates, from 20 countries, have volunteered their time and expertise to help judged the written submissions. 23 CAS arbitrators judged the oral rounds (which were all judged solely by CAS arbitrators

Please note that registrations close on 1 December 2023.

To register a team, please click here.

For more information on the competition, please visit here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information on sponsoring SLAM, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

About Arnecke SIbeth Dabelstein

Arnecke SIbeth Dabelstein is one of the leading full-service commercial law firms in Germany with five offices and more than 100 lawyers, notaries and tax consultants.

“Our sports practice group ASD Sports is one of the very few legal practices in the market that can claim to offer full-service legal advice to the entire sports industry. Due to the broad range of legal services provided by our lawyers, all of whom are leading advisors in their respective fields, we cover not only typical legal practice areas relevant to sport such as labour, IP, media, antitrust, association law and dispute resolution, but also more specialised areas such as real estate, M&A, tax and public law.”

For more information on ASD Sports, please visit here.

About LawInSport

LawInSport is the world leading sports law knowledge hub and global community that provides practically focused expert analysis and commentary on the latest legal developments in sport. LawInSport collaborates with our community of over 30,000 lawyers, sports executives, sports administrators, athletes, coaches, academics and students and their organisations helping them to “understand the rules of the game”™

Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse player Austin Staats accepts a 3-month period of ineligibility

THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT HAUDENOSAUNEE NATIONALS LACROSSE PLAYER AUSTIN STAATS HAS ACCEPTED A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.

Introducing the SSI Strategic Plan 2024-2026

We are thrilled to share a momentous occasion with you – the official launch of the SSI Strategic Plan 2024-2026, aptly titled “Everyone, Everywhere Safe in Sport.”

Created by volunteers, partners, stakeholders, trustees, and informed by the SSI2023 Global Safe Sport Conference, this plan is a resounding call to action and a demonstration of our shared commitment to a safer and more inclusive world of sports.

Anne Tiivas, Chair of Safe Sport International:

“I am proud to launch this 2024-26 Strategic Plan. As a global network of experts we call for change in sport systems around the world and greater collaboration between sport stakeholders, public authorities, and civil society organisations to increase safeguarding capacity and provide context specific approaches to safeguarding. Please join with us to help make ‘everyone, everywhere safe in sport’ a reality.”

Key Highlights of the SSI Strategic Plan 2024-2026:

Building upon our rich history and the collective efforts of our global community, we want to see:

1. Athlete voices embedded within sports organisations to drive trauma-informed, safe and positive experiences for all ages and abilities.
2. High-quality research and evidence informing policy, practice, education and training in the field.
3. Inclusion, collaboration and partnerships in safe sport leading to greater cultural awareness, understanding, and systemic change.

Our strategic priorities:

1. Driving international standards in safe sport that provide safe sport principles and clear safeguarding guidelines for all.
2. Facilitating global networks and conferences in safe sport and opportunities for sharing experiences, learning, and research.
3. Developing skilled and supported people in safeguarding through accessible education and consultancy.

We invite you to explore the full details of the SSI Strategic Plan on our website https://www.safesportinternational.com/about-us/.

Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey towards creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone involved in sports. Please support our work as a partner or through a donation.

Together, we possess the power to drive change, foster innovation, and leave a positive legacy for generations of athletes.

Neal Anderson
COO, Safe Sport International

The full report is available here.

Circular no. 1876 - National Dispute Resolution Chamber: new Recognition Principles and Standard Regulations

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1876

Zurich, 18 January 2024

National Dispute Resolution Chamber: new Recognition Principles and Standard Regulations

Dear Sir or Madam,

We are pleased to inform you that at its meeting on 17 December 2023, the FIFA Council approved the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles, incorporating the new National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations. In this context, the following paragraphs set out the amendments to the FIFA regulatory framework for your information. 

Regulatory framework to operate national dispute resolution chambers

a. General overview

The Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) have long recognised that instead of submitting employment-related disputes to FIFA or seeking redress before a civil court, parties may opt to submit such disputes to a national dispute resolution system, provided that the system meets minimum and fundamental procedural requirements. A national dispute resolution system for employment-related disputes is colloquially known as a “national dispute resolution chamber” or an “NDRC”

In this context, FIFA circular no. 1010 of 20 December 2005 defined these minimal procedural requirements, and in 2007, FIFA enacted the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations to serve as guidelines for member associations when establishing a national dispute resolution system.

This regulatory framework remained unchanged for almost two decades. It therefore become increasingly evident that it had become outdated and that it no longer served the current needs of all football stakeholders.

Modernising the football regulatory framework has been one of FIFA’s key pillars since the launch of FIFA 2.0 and improving the FIFA regulations remains a key objective, being also part of the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027. For this reason, over the past months, the regulatory framework for NDRCs has been modernised and revised in cooperation with all football stakeholders. 

The key objectives of this revised framework, which derogates the 2005 and 2007 FIFA provisions in this field, are to provide clarity and the necessary legal certainty with regard to the jurisdiction, structure, applicable requirements and a possible formal, permanent recognition by FIFA of existing NDRCs.

The new relevant regulatory framework consists of the following:

1. National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles, which establish:

• the required standards for a national dispute resolution system to be recognised by FIFA;
• the recognition procedure of an NDRC at FIFA level;
• the requirements FIFA applies to accept jurisdiction of an NDRC;
• the process for the renewal of recognition of an NDRC;
• the process for the revocation of recognition of an NDRC;
• the publication of a list of the NDRCs that have obtained valid recognition, together with the period of recognition; and
• disciplinary tools to ensure compliance with the proposed regulatory framework.

2. Revised National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations, which are included as an Annexe to the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles and which:

• constitute a generic sample of applicable provisions, which meet the procedural requirements as per the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles;
• are designed to assist member associations with the establishment of procedural rules to govern the organisation, composition and functions of an NDRC;
• clarify that any procedural regulations of an NDRC must comply with the standards set out in the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations, unless a deviation has been validly agreed within a collective bargaining agreement; and
• clarify in which provisions the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations give a member association scope to define the exact regulatory or procedural framework of an NDRC with flexibility.

b. Entry into force of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles

Articles 1 to 3 and 6 to 10 of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles, which relate to the NDRC recognition process, will enter into force on 1 February 2024.

In order to provide a transition period until the new requirements and a possible recognition of an NDRC fully apply, the remaining provisions of the new regulatory framework will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

Member associations, which currently operate an NDRC, have until 1 June 2024 to submit a formal request for recognition of their NDRC to FIFA, should they wish that their NDRC continue operating as a formally recognised NDRC under the new regulatory framework.

Amendments to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players

Due to the new regulatory framework for NDRCs, certain amendments and additions to the RSTP have to be introduced.

They are of a technical nature only and relate to the requirements under which FIFA may cede jurisdiction in light of an existing and recognised NDRC.

In particular, the relevant amendments concern article 22 paragraph 1 b) and c); article 26 paragraph 1 c) (new); article 26 paragraph 4; and article 29.

The amendments to the RSTP will come into force on 1 February 2024.

The National Dispute Resolution Chamber Recognition Principles and its Annexe (National Dispute Resolution Chamber Standard Regulations), the revised edition of the RSTP, as well as the Explanatory Notes on the New Regulatory Framework for National Dispute Resolution Chambers are available on legal.fifa.com.

Please do not hesitate to contact Jan Kleiner, Director Football Regulatory, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions in this regard.

We thank you for taking note of the above and for informing your affiliated clubs accordingly.

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Players Associations’ Joint Statement on Legislation Affecting the Rights of College Athletes

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), and National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) (“Players Associations”) represent the players in the five major professional sports in the United States. We write today to express our thoughts and concerns about legislation the Committee is considering which would affect the rights of college athletes, many of whom will someday be members of our Associations.

Each Association is governed by an Executive Board of Player Representatives who are elected directly by their fellow players. Collectively, we have over 200 years of experience serving the interests of our athlete members. Our sole focus is establishing, enforcing, and advancing the rights and benefits of athletes, thousands of whom are no older than the college athletes whose rights are being discussed at this week’s Subcommittee hearing.

Since the early days of the Players Associations, our work on behalf of athletes has expanded and diversified exponentially. While our core function remains to negotiate and enforce the collective bargaining agreements which set terms and conditions of employment such as wages, hours, and working conditions, for years we have also represented our athlete members at the forefront of issues that relate directly to the legislation currently under consideration by the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce. These issues include:

• Player Name, Image, and Likeness (“NIL”)

• Rights of publicity

• Individual & group licensing agreements

• Athlete corporate sponsorships

• Collection, protection & monetization of athletes’ performance data

• TV broadcasting

• Enhanced access TV programming

• Monetization of social media

• Sports betting

• Regulation of player agents & agencies

The issues now before the Subcommittee are intimately familiar to the Players Associations. We have decades of experience in protecting athletes’ rights in NIL-related matters, and we write to express significant concerns with the “discussion draft” of the FAIR College Sports Act that was recently released.

Swimming Athlete Wyatt Davis Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Wyatt Davis of Ann Arbor, Mich., an athlete in the sport of swimming, has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.

Davis, 22, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC), a urinary metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, above the urinary Decision Limit of 180 ng/mL, as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the Phillips 66 National Championships on June 30, 2023.

Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and are prohibited in competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Aquatics Doping Control Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

Under the 2021 Code, THC is classified under a special category, “Substances of Abuse,” that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA. While USADA will continue to advocate to WADA, the rule maker, to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use, we will also continue to advocate that those in need receive treatment for substance use as needed and as required under the current rule.

Davis qualified for a reduced sanction because his use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. Davis accepted a three-month period of ineligibility that began on January 2, 2024, the date he accepted the sanction. In addition, Davis has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after June 30, 2023, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. While the matter was pending, USADA determined that Davis violated his provisional suspension by participating in an activity authorized/organized by a Code signatory’s member organization. Therefore, Davis did not receive credit for any time he spent provisionally suspended.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.

In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.

USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

EFL Statement: Mr Dai Yongge

As Reading FC supporters are only too aware, it has in recent months become increasingly clear that Mr Dai Yongge is no longer in a position - or does not have the motivation - to support the Club financially as he did following the change of control in 2017.     

In November 2023, the EFL called for the disqualification of Mr Dai following the failure to fund the deposit account to cover player and staff salaries following repeated breaches of EFL Regulations. This was ultimately rejected by an Independent Disciplinary Commission and a financial sanction was imposed instead.   

The EFL has now received confirmation that Mr Dai did not meet last Friday’s latest deadline to fund the deposit account as ordered, meaning he has been in default for nearly four months.  As a result – and as per the terms of the 15 December decision - a further £50,000 fine has now been imposed, taking the total to £80,000.   

His continued failings mean that once again the Club's hardworking staff have no reassurance as to payment of wages and demonstrates a clear disregard for his obligations as a director of the Club.   

In respect of this issue, the League will now consider all available options it has under the Regulations and will have no hesitation in bringing further charges against Mr Dai.  

In the meantime, and for the sake of the future of Reading FC, its staff, supporters, and local community we urge Mr Dai either to fund the Club adequately or to make immediate arrangements to sell his majority shareholding to appropriate new owners so everyone can move forward with renewed optimism.   

 For our part, we will work with Mr Dai, his team, and the Club plus any potential purchaser to navigate and meet the requirements of the Regulations as quickly as is physically possible and bring an end to this difficult period for all parties.   

 What followed the events at the end of last week were the unfortunate scenes on Saturday afternoon that led to the abandonment of the fixture versus Port Vale, and further demonstrated the impact the current situation is having on everyone associated with the Club.   

However, entering the field of play is a criminal offence and puts the safety of all participants at risk.  The EFL Board will discuss events at Saturday’s match during its meeting later this week as it has a responsibility to the League’s member clubs and the competition to ensure all 72 Clubs meet the requirements of the rules as previously agreed by EFL Clubs.   

 Finally, the League has been in regular dialogue with the Supporters Trust at Reading (STAR) in recent months and has always made – and will continue to do so – itself available to recognised supporters’ groups to discuss challenging situations and, regarding current matters involving Reading, has arranged to meet with representatives of a number of groups in the next 24 hours. 

French tennis player suspended for ten years

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that French tennis player Leny Mitjana has been suspended from the sport for a period of ten years and fined $20,000 for 11 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

The sanction is linked to a recently concluded criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities led to a five-year custodial sentence for the leader of the syndicate, Grigor Sargsyan. 

Mitjana - who held a career-high world singles ranking of 458 in 2018 - denied all charges related to the fixing of matches in 2017 and 2018. A hearing was held before independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Phillipe Cavalieros on 8 November 2023. 

AHO Cavalieros found Mitjana liable for breaches of sections D.1.b, D.1.d, D.1.e and D.2.a.i of the TACP, which include the facilitation of wagering, contriving the outcome of matches, influencing other players not to use their best efforts in matches, and failing to report corrupt approaches.

The suspension will run from the date of the decision (22 December 2023) until midnight on 21 December 2033.

During the period of ineligibility, the player is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide. 

Workplace safety is growing concern for players in men’s football, new report finds

• The report draws on player interviews, a survey of 41 national player unions and media reviews
  
  
• The use of flares or missiles are of particular concern, but violent acts also include players being attacked by pitch invaders or victimised from the stands
  
  
• Abuse and violence have alarming repercussions: 88 percent of unions said the threat of violence leads to poor performance by players, and 83 percent said that it contributes to mental health issues

A new FIFPRO report highlights the scale and impact of violence and abuse by fans towards professional footballers in the men’s game, while suggesting measures to increase workplace safety and protect player well-being.

FIFPRO Men’s Football Workplace Safety Report: The Impact of Violence Towards Footballers in Their Workplace draws on player interviews, a survey of 41 national player unions and media reviews; the report is underpinned by an academic research paper by Dr Joel Rookwood, Director of the Sport & Exercise Management degree at University College Dublin.

While 85 percent of player unions agree that “in most instances the relationship between fans and players is very positive and should be cherished,” 76 percent said that workplace safety is a growing concern for professional footballers and 66 percent felt that in recent years parts of fan culture have “become increasingly more violent and abusive.”

The survey findings are supported by a Council of Europe committee state monitoring report published in November under the Saint-Denis Convention that says the number of arrests at sports events, and in particular football top tier leagues, “are considerable and can be considered a growing issue”.

The use of flares or missiles are of particular concern, but violent acts also include players being attacked by pitch invaders or victimised from the stands with verbal abuse that can be discriminatory or aimed at family members. Many “hidden instances” of abuse go unreported amid a normalisation of threats and acts of aggression.

Players often silently accept aggression and do not talk about it in case it exacerbates the abuse and prejudices their employment opportunities. A player interviewed by the report’s authors said he felt that “constant access to the real me as a player has lowered the threshold for fans in the stadium to a point where some think they are entitled to do things which they really aren’t.”

Abuse and violence have alarming repercussions: 88 percent of unions said the threat of violence leads to poor performance by players, and 83 percent said that it contributes to mental health issues.

Unions would favour increased use of technology to catch and deter perpetrators: 98 percent said tech devices such as security scanners and facial recognition would make players safer; 88 percent said more should also be done by clubs to ban violent fans, while most agreed more steps should be taken to foster dialogue with fans about the impact of abuse and violence on player well-being.

Alexander Bielefeld, FIFPRO Director of Global Policy & Strategic Relations (Men’s Football), said: “We cannot continue to allow a culture in which footballers are the victims of unchecked and normalised aggression in their working environment: on the pitch, during team travel, at training grounds, official events, and in their private lives.

"Given the mounting levels of violence, it is important football stakeholders, social partners and public institutions increase cooperation to identify measures that ensure the safety of players, staff and spectators. Clubs, leagues, and federations have a responsibility to ensure that players, as employees, have a safe working environment to perform at their peak.”

This report has been developed by FIFPRO Player IQ, a player-focused knowledge centre that aims to help shape decision-making in the football industry to protect and improve the careers and working lives of professional footballers.

Circular no. 1874 - FIFA Football Agent Regulations: licensing updates and information on the Agents Chamber of the FIFA Football Tribunal

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1874

Zurich, 10 January 2024

FIFA Football Agent Regulations: licensing updates and information on the Agents Chamber of the FIFA Football Tribunal

Dear Sir or Madam,

Firstly, we would like to thank you for all your efforts and hard work on the implementation of the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR), including the organisation of the first two editions of the FIFA Football Agent exam during the past year 2023 (hereinafter the “Exam”).

With these efforts, the transition phase towards the full implementation of the FFAR has been successfully completed, with more than 5,000 Football Agent licences having been granted worldwide, national football agent regulations being approved by member associations and the members of the Agents Chamber of the FIFA Football Tribunal appointed. 

We wish to provide you hereinafter with some licensing updates and information on the Agents Chamber.

1. Licensing of Football Agents

In accordance with Enclosure 2 to circular no. 1827, we are providing you with additional information on the licensing of Football Agents for the year 2024.

We kindly remind you that only individuals that have been granted a Football Agent licence by FIFA pursuant to the FFAR can provide Football Agent Services, as defined in the FFAR and the applicable national football agent regulations.

Any breaches of the FFAR, including evidence of non-licensed activity of individuals or companies, can be reported on the FIFA Reporting Portal.

Exam licensing path (art. 4 of the FFAR) We kindly inform you of the dates have been set for the next exam, due to take place in 2024.

FIFA Football Agent exam Application period 9 January to 31 March 2024 Exam date 22 May 2024

We kindly remind you that all applications are to be submitted on the FIFA Agent Platform (hereinafter the “Platform”) by interested candidates and will be regularly reviewed by member associations through their user accounts registered on the Platform. For the avoidance of any doubt, all deadlines for the submission of applications on the Platform correspond to Central European Time (CET).

After reviewing feedback received from the members of the FIFA Football Agent Working Group (“FAWG”) and from candidates, the FIFA administration hereby kindly reminds all member associations that exam fees charged by member associations to candidates for organising the Exam should be exclusively used to cover the costs of organising and holding the exam. In that regard, the FIFA administration recommends that member associations ensure that the exam fee does not exceed the amount of USD 600 (or equivalent).

Furthermore, the applicable exam rules and study materials will be published on the Platform and the FIFA website in January 2024.

Reduction of licence fee for continuous licence holders

Following consultations with the members of the FAWG, as from 1 October 2024, the licence fee paid to FIFA for all Football Agent licence renewals will be reduced to USD 300 for each subsequent licensing period. Those individuals that obtain their Football Agent licence for the first time will pay the full amount of USD 600 for the first licensing period, with subsequent yearly payments being reduced to USD 300.

By way of example, if a candidate passes the exam in May 2024, they need to pay the annual fee of USD 600 within 90 days. Then, before 1 October, that same Football Agent will pay USD 300 for each consecutive licence year.

2. FIFA Football Tribunal: Agents Chamber

Following the creation of the Agents Chamber of the FIFA Football Tribunal, FIFA informs that the current list of judges representing different stakeholders, including the recent appointment of the Chairperson and Deputy chairperson, can be found on legal.fifa.com. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Luís Villas-Boas Pires (head of agents) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. should you have any questions in this regard.

We thank you for your attention and for ensuring that your affiliated clubs and relevant stakeholders are informed accordingly.

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE

DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

The CAS Hearing in the Arbitration Involving Simona Halep (ROM) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency Will Start on 7 February 2024

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms that the hearing in the arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/10025 Simona Halep v. International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and CAS 2023/A/10227 International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) v. Simona Halep will take place on 7, 8 and 9 February 2024 at the CAS Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The parties, witnesses and experts will attend the hearing both in person and remotely, including Ms Halep who will be present in person. The hearing will take place behind closed doors since none of the parties requested a public hearing. 

The CAS Panel and parties to the proceedings have established a detailed hearing timetable. The hearing will begin on 7 February 2024 at 9:30am with the parties’ opening submissions, followed by the testimony of the fact and expert witnesses. The oral closing submissions will take place on the last day. The conclusion of the hearing should be at around 3:30pm on 9 February 2024.

The CAS Panel appointed to hear this matter is composed of The Hon. Annabelle Bennett (Australia), President, Mr Jeffrey G. Benz (USA) and Prof. Ulrich Haas (Germany).

At the parties’ request, no further information will be given with respect to the identity of the participants (representatives, experts and witnesses). Ms Halep will not make any statement to the media before the end of the hearing.

Following the hearing, the CAS Panel will deliberate and prepare the Arbitral Award containing its decision and grounds. At this juncture, no indication can be given as to when the final Arbitral Award will be notified to the Parties.

French tennis player suspended for seven years

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that French tennis player Maxence Broville has been suspended from the sport for a period of seven years and fined $5,000 for failure to co-operate with an ITIA investigation. 
 
Broville, who held a career-high world singles ranking of 708 in 2023, denied all charges related to the fixing of matches in 2017 and 2018. A hearing was held before independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Charles Hollander on 5 January 2024. 
 
AHO Hollander found Broville liable for breaches of F.2.b and F.2.d of the TACP, which relate to the failure to co-operate with an ITIA investigation, including refusal to submit personal devices for examination when issued a written request to do so by ITIA investigators. 
 
Broville has been provisionally suspended since 20 June 2023, and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against their period of ineligibility. As such, their suspension will end on 19 June 2030. 

During the period of ineligibility, the player is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association. 

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

Fulham Manager Marco Silva Fined £80,000 and Warned

Fulham FC’s manager Marco Silva has been fined £80,000 and warned as to his future conduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 following their Premier League game against Newcastle United FC on Saturday 16 December 2023. 
 
Mr Silva admitted that his comments in the post-match media interviews following the fixture, constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of, and/or are insulting towards the match official (Referee) and/or the Video Assistant Referee, and/or bring the game into disrepute. The sanction was imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission.

The full decision can be viewed here.

Club spending on international transfer fees reaches all-time record in 2023

FIFA has today published the 2023 edition of the Global Transfer Report, according to which an all-time record of 74,836 cross-border transfers were made in 2023. Some 23,689 (31.7%) of these moves involved professionals (men and women), with the other 51,147 (68.3%) transfers being those of amateurs.

Following falls in spending in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs spent a new record high amount on international transfer fees in 2023, with their combined outlay reaching a total of USD 9.63 billion – an increase of 48.1% compared to 2022 and surpassing the former record, set in 2019, by more than USD 2 billion.

The top ten player transfers alone generated more than 10% of the entire amount spent on transfer fees in 2023. Similarly, of the 3,279 transfers that included fees, the top 100 were responsible for more than 45% of all money spent on transfer fees, with English clubs once again topping the list with USD 2.96 billion.

German clubs topped the list for transfer fees received from outgoing transfers with a total of more than USD 1.2 billion. Just as in the previous year, Portuguese clubs completed more incoming transfers than clubs from any other association (1,017). Brazilian clubs, on the other hand, released the highest number of players (1,217).

A total of 1,024 clubs spent money on international transfers in 2023, the first-ever time that more than 1,000 clubs invested in transfer fees for new players from abroad. The number of clubs that received transfer fees, 1,241, was also another new high.

Impressive growth of women’s football continues

The impressive growth of women’s professional football also showed no sign of letting up in 2023, with more than 20% more transfers last year compared to 2022. The number of clubs involved in international transfers also rose from 507 in 2022 to 623 in 2023, a 22.9% increase.

All of these numbers reflect the huge strides being taken in the women’s game, with more and more female players turning professional. Some 1,888 international transfers of professional players were recorded in 2023, while a new high of 131 associations (+7.4% compared to 2022) were involved in these transfers.

International transfers of amateurs

In 2023, more than 50,000 amateur players moved across borders to join a club in a new association. Some 91.7% of these players were male. The global reach of amateur football is striking as 207 of FIFA’s 211 member associations were involved in at least one amateur transfer last year. The number-one association in terms of the number of incoming amateur transfers was Germany with a total of 7,825.

The Global Transfer Report 2023 also includes analyses on player nationalities, ages and movement between confederations and associations, in addition to the list of top transfers in both the men’s and women’s game.

The FIFA Global Transfer Report 2023 is available here and on fifa.com/legal.

Kamila Valieva is found to have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and Sanctioned with a four-year period of ineligibility commencing on 25 December 2021

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the appeal arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/9451 Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) v. Kamila Valieva, CAS 2023/A/9455 International Skating Union (ISU) v. Kamila Valieva, Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), and CAS 2023/A/9456 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) v. Association Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) & Kamila Valieva):

• The decision taken by the Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency No. 9/2023 on 24 January 2023 in relation to Ms Kamila Valieva is set aside.
• Ms Valieva is found to have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under Clause 4.1 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules of 24 June 2021 (the Russian ADR).
• A period of four (4) years ineligibility is imposed on Ms Valieva, starting on 25 December 2021.
• All competitive results of Ms Valieva from 25 December 2021 are disqualified, with all the resulting consequences (including forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, profits, prizes, and appearance money).

According to Clause 4.1 of the Russian ADR, athletes are responsible for any Prohibited Substance found to be present in their samples and the presence of any prohibited substance amounts to an ADRV. In this matter, a prohibited substance, Trimetazidine (TMZ), was found to be present in the sample collected from Ms Valieva on 25 December 2021 during the Russian National Championships in St Petersburg, Ms Valieva did not contest liability in that she accepted that, by reason of the presence of a TMZ in her sample, she had committed an ADRV under Clause 4.1 of the Russian ADR

It was therefore a matter for the CAS Panel to consider what sanctions, if any, should be imposed on Ms Valieva pursuant to the Russian ADR, bearing in mind that, in the absence of grounds for elimination, reduction or suspension, the Russian ADR provide for a four-year period of ineligibility. In order to benefit from a reduced period of ineligibility, Ms Valieva needed to prove, by a balance of probabilities that she had not intentionally committed the ADRV by engaging in conduct which she knew constituted an ADRV or in conduct where she knew that there was a significant risk that said conduct might constitute or result in an ADRV and had manifestly disregarded that risk. Having carefully considered all the evidence put before it, the CAS Panel concluded that Ms Valieva was not able to establish, on the balance of probabilities and on the basis of the evidence before the Panel, that she had not committed the ADRV intentionally (within the meaning of the Russian ADR).

The CAS Panel stressed that the test with respect to intention under Clause 12.2 of the Russian ADR is one and the same whether the athlete is an adult or a Protected Person. It means that if a Protected Person fails to discharge the burden (which under the Russian ADR is borne by the athlete) that he or she did not commit ADRV intentionally, there is no basis under the rules to treat them any differently from an adult athlete. Accordingly, since it was determined that there was no scope for the exercise of discretion to reduce the period of ineligibility, a four-year period of ineligibility was imposed by the Panel.

The period of ineligibility starts on 25 December 2021 and any period of provisional suspension served by Ms Valieva is to be credited against that period of ineligibility. The CAS Panel also ordered the disqualification all competitive results achieved by Ms Valieva from 25 December 2021, with all the resulting consequences (including forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, profits, prizes, and appearance money).

The consequences linked to the retroactive disqualification of Ms Valieva from past events, including from the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, were not within the scope of this arbitration procedure and will have to be examined by the sports organisations concerned.

The Arbitral Award issued by the CAS Panel is currently subject to a confidentiality review meaning that the parties might request that the Arbitral Award, or certain information contained in it, remain confidential. For this reason, the Arbitral Award will not be published immediately on the CAS website. 

The CAS Panel’s decision is final and binding, with the exception of the parties’ right to file an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days on limited grounds.

U.S. Weightlifting Athlete Katelyn Kirby Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Katelyn Kirby, of Johnstown, Colo., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a three-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive for and admitting the use of prohibited substances.

Kirby, 36, tested positive for a prohibited anabolic agent and its metabolites of synthetic origin as the result of a urine sample collected at the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Championships on June 30, 2023. Based on abnormal Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) markers, her urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin.

After investigating, USADA determined that Kirby was using testosterone under the direction of a physician, but she lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why criteria must be fulfilled beyond merely providing a prescription. Additionally, Kirby admitted to using oxandrolone for which she had no documented medical need in the final months of 2022.

Both testosterone and oxandrolone are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

Under Article 10.8.1 of the Code, an athlete who faces an anti-doping rule violation that carries a period of ineligibility of four or more years may receive a one-year sanction reduction if the athlete admits the violation and accepts the asserted sanction within 20 days of notification of the alleged anti-doping rule violation charge. Per the rule, Kirby qualified for a one-year reduction to the otherwise applicable four-year period of ineligibility.

Kirby’s three-year period of ineligibility began on October 20, 2023, the date her provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Kirby has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to June 30, 2023, the date her positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Confirms The Registration Of The Request For Arbitration Filed By US Swimmer Lia Thomas

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms the registration of the request for arbitration filed by US transgender swimmer Lia Thomas (the Athlete), aimed at challenging certain parts of World Aquatics’ Policy on the Eligibility for the Men’s and Women’s Competition Categories in force as of 24 March 2023, and its associated Operational Requirements (the Challenged Provisions).

Ms Thomas accepts that fair competition is a legitimate sporting objective and that some regulation of transgender women in swimming is appropriate. However, Ms Thomas submits that the Challenged Provisions are invalid and unlawful as they discriminate against her contrary to the Olympic Charter, the World Aquatics Constitution, and Swiss law including the European Convention on Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and that such discrimination cannot be justified as necessary, reasonable, or proportionate to achieve a legitimate sporting objective.

In bringing the matter before CAS, Ms Thomas seeks an order from the CAS declaring that the Challenged Provisions are unlawful, invalid, and of no force and effect.

The CAS arbitration proceedings commenced in September 2023. In accordance with the Code of Sportsrelated Arbitration, this “ordinary” arbitration procedure (i.e. not an appeal) was subject to strict confidentiality rules governing CAS procedures. The parties involved in this case have now agreed that general information concerning the procedure itself be communicated by the CAS Court Office. At this point, no hearing date has been fixed yet.

The registration of this case coincided with the reference number 10’000, which is the number of arbitrations (and former consultation procedures, but without ad hoc procedures and mediations) registered by the CAS since its creation in 1984. On 31 December 2023, the CAS had registered a total of 10’638 procedures (all included) since its creation and 943 in 2023 only.

Rugby Player Receives Sanction

Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to uphold the decision rendered by the World Rugby Independent Judicial Committee and impose a four-year ban on athlete Kristian Jensen for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance and Use of a Prohibited Substance.

Mr Jensen returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 28 November 2021 in Dubai (UAE). At the time, Mr Jensen was in Dubai to compete in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with the Australian Men’s Rugby Sevens team.

Mr Jensen’s sample was analysed at the Laboratoire Suisse d’Analyse du Dopage in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the presence of trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl-methoxypyrrolidinyl-2-trifluoromethyl-bezonitrile (metabolite of LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)) was detected.

The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is listed under Class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) under the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List – 2021 (Prohibited List 2021). The substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is a Non-Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.

Mr Jensen’s four-year ban commenced on 22 December 2021.

Mr Jensen is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 22 December 2025. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league, or Event organised by a non-Signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level Event organisation.

Peru Lacrosse player James Alexander Burleson-Porras sanctioned with a 3-month period of ineligibility

THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) REPORTS THAT PERU LACROSSE PLAYER JAMES ALEXANDER BURLESON-PORRAS WAS SANCTIONED WITH A 3-MONTH PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES.

Tunisian tennis player suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that Tunisian tennis player Anis Ghorbel has been suspended from the sport for a period of three years, and fined $20,000, for four breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). 
 
The sanction is linked to a recently concluded criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. Collaboration between the ITIA and Belgian authorities led to a five-year custodial sentence for the leader of the syndicate, Grigor Sargsyan.   
 
Ghorbel – who held a career-high world singles ranking of 479 in 2016 – denied all charges related to the fixing of matches in 2016 and 2017. A hearing was held before independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Amani Khalifa on 22 December 2023. 
 
AHO Khalifa found Ghorbel liable for four breaches of the TACP in total, including two breaches of section D.2.a.i of the TACP (failure to report a corrupt approach); and one breach of sections D.1.b and D.1.d of the TACP (facilitating wagering on the outcome of a match, and contriving the outcome or aspect of a match, respectively).  
 
The suspension will run from the date of the decision (4 January 2024) until midnight of 3 January 2027. 
 
During the period of ineligibility, Ghorbel is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association. 
 

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

Sanction: Powerlifting

Commission on preliminary consideration of anti-doping rules violations of RAA RUSADA rendered the decision that made athlete Ursaki Zinaida (powerlifting) ineligible for 4 years for violation under cl. 4.1 and cl. 4.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules, starting on the date of the decision, namely on December 20, 2023, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension, namely from November 9, 2023.

Information on the new Payment Order Procedure

The Basketball Arbitral Tribunal (“BAT”) hereby informs its users that a new Payment Order Procedure (“POP”) will be introduced with the new edition of the BAT Arbitration Rules (“BAT Rules”), which come into effect as of 1 February 2024. 

1) What is the POP and why is it introduced?

The POP is comparable to default judgements before state courts (e.g. the European order for payment procedure) and is arguably the first of its kind in the context of international (sports) arbitration. In a nutshell, a Claimant may request the BAT to issue a payment order for a specific monetary claim against a Respondent. The BAT will issue such payment order without examining the merits of the claim if some basic requirements are fulfilled and the Respondent does not object to the issuance of the payment order. 

With the POP, the BAT addresses the feedback received by the BAT user community in recent years, in particular at the BAT User Conference in November 2022. That feedback underlined the existence of a significant demand for a mechanism that provides access to the BAT for Claimants in low value disputes who do not have the financial means to afford the arbitration costs involved in a regular BAT arbitration. At the same time, the POP is a response to the fact that in a significant number of BAT proceedings, the Respondent does not participate in the arbitration. 

2) Legal effects of the POP?

At the end of an uncontested POP in which all necessary requirements are fulfilled, the BAT issues the Final Payment Order (“FPO”), which shall have the effects of a final and binding arbitral award between the parties. In addition, the FPO qualifies as “decision” in the terms of Article 3-335 of the FIBA Internal Regulations. Accordingly, if the Respondent fails to honour the FPO, the Claimant may request FIBA to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

3) When does the POP apply?

A Claimant may only make use of the POP if the parties have agreed on the application of the POP to their dispute. Therefore, parties wishing to have this option for potential future financial disputes are advised to include into their contract the new alternative BAT clause provided under Article 0.3 of the BAT Rules.

In addition, the POP applies only if the claim…

- … is of a monetary nature and does not exceed a sum in dispute of EUR 15,000.00,

- … is filed by a single individual or legal entity as claimant,

- … is filed against a single legal entity as respondent, and

- … does not bundle multiple claims deriving from different legal relationships (e.g. claims by an agent against a club for agent fees payable in relation to different player transfers).

4) How does the POP work?

The new POP allows creditors to file a payment order request (“POR”) instead of initiating a regular BAT arbitration. To submit a POR, the Claimant must enter the required information on the Claimant, the Respondent and the claim into the online form available under https://bat-payment-order.martens.legal/ and upload the relevant documents. 

Along with the POR, the Claimant must pay a non-reimbursable processing fee of EUR 1,000.00 into the BAT bank account. No further payments by the Claimant are required for the POP. In particular, no advance on costs will need to be paid for the POP. Thus, the costs involved in the POP are significantly lower than the costs required for a BAT arbitration.

The POR is reviewed by the BAT (Vice-)President, who issues a Provisional Payment Order (“PPO”) if the requirements mentioned in section 3) above are met, the claim does not violate public policy and the utilization of the POP is not abusive. 

The PPO is delivered both to the Claimant and the Respondent and the latter is provided with the opportunity to file an objection against the PPO within 14 days after receipt of the PPO.

If no objection is filed within this time limit and/or the Respondent fails to pay the applicable handling fee of EUR 1,000.00 for the objection, the BAT (Vice-) President, upon the Claimant’s request, will issue a FPO provided that the relevant requirements are still met (e.g. no payment of the claim in the meantime).

If the Respondent objects and pays the handling fee of EUR 1,000.00 in time, the Claimant and the Respondent will be requested to each pay a share of an advance on costs fixed by the BAT Secretariat in anticipation of a regular BAT arbitration procedure. Once each party has paid its share, the Claimant is required to file a Request for Arbitration and, thereafter, the PPO will lose effect and a regular BAT arbitration shall begin.

Any questions?

The new BAT Rules including the provisions on the POP are available on www.fiba.com/bat/process, both as a clean document and as a marked-up version showing all changes compared to the 2022 edition. In addition, the BAT Secretariat is very happy to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or telephone (+49 89 452 44 22 15).

Weightlifter Receives Sanction

Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges the decision of the Australian Weightlifting Federation to impose a 12-year ban on athlete Andrew Ciancio for the Presence of a metabolite of a Prohibited Substance and Use of a Prohibited Substance. 

Mr Ciancio, an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 5 September 2022. 

Mr Ciancio’s sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, and the presence of 3α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-5α-androstan-17-one (metabolite of Drostanolone) was detected.

The substance Drostanolone is listed under Class S1.1 Anabolic Agents (Anabolic Androgenic Steroids) under the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard – Prohibited List – 2022 (Prohibited List 2022). The substance Drostanolone is a Non-Specified Substance and is prohibited at all times.  

It was determined that on and/or before 5 September 2022 Mr Ciancio Used a Prohibited Substance, namely Drostanolone.

Mr Ciancio’s Anti-Doping Rule Violations in relation to his doping control test on 5 September 2022 were considered his ‘second violation’ within a ten-year period.

The Australian Weightlifting Federation thereby imposed a 12-year ban on Mr Ciancio commencing on 5 September 2022. 

Mr Ciancio is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 5 September 2034. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league or Event organised by a non-Signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level event organisation. 

Bulgarian tennis official sanctioned

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that Bulgarian tennis official Stefan Milanov has been suspended from the sport for a period of 16 years following 17 breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). 
 
Milanov, a national-level official who served a six-month suspension for betting offenses in 2022, did not respond to the ITIA’s charges. The case was ruled on by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Amani Khalifa, who also issued Milanov a fine of $75,000. 
 
In failing to respond to the ITIA charges - relating to five matches that they umpired in 2021 – Milanov effectively admitted liability for all charges and acceded to sanctions, as outlined under sections G.1.e.ii and G.1.e.iii of the TACP. 
 
The charges included five breaches of Section D.1.b of the 2021 TACP – directly or indirectly facilitating any other person to wager on the outcome or any other aspect of an event; five breaches of Section D.1.m of the 2021 TACP – delaying or manipulating entry of scoring data from any Event for any reason; five breaches of Section D.1.n of the 2021 TACP – directly or indirectly attempting, agreeing or conspiring to commit any Corruption Offense; and two breaches of Section F.2.b of the 2023 TACP – failing to co-operate fully with investigations conducted by the ITIA. 
 
The suspension will run from the date of the decision (28 December 2023) until midnight on 27 December 2039. 
 
During the suspension, Milanov is prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association. 

The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.  

Secretariat announced as Gold Sponsors for the 5th Edition of LawInSport’s Sports Law Arbitration Moot

We are thrilled to announce Secretariat Advisors, LLC  (“Secretariat”) as Gold Sponsor for 5th edition of the global Sports Law Arbitration Moot (“SLAM”) competition. The SLAM Grand Finals of the competition take place on 12-13 April 2024 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The SLAM is a student moot competition, organised to promote greater knowledge of the values and rules of international sports arbitration, the go to dispute resolution mechanism in the sector.

SLAM provides students from around the world the opportunity to:

1. Develop and showcase their legal and advocacy skills before the world’s leading arbitrators and practitioners virtually and in-person;
2. Gain real world experience of international sports arbitration under the leading procedural rules; and,
3. Receive complimentary training on drafting written submissions and advocacy from some of the world’s leading advocates and arbitrators in world sport.

Students compete for the chance to win:

• £1,500 for the winners of the competition; and,
• £1,000 for the runners-up of the competition

Shalabh Gupta, Associate Director at Secretariat said “Secretariat is delighted to sponsor the SLAM 2024 competition. This event embodies our commitment to positively shaping the future of arbitrations by providing young professionals with real-world training and experience.” Amran Nawaz, Manager at Secretariat added “We are excited for students to compete using the CAS Code in front of some of the world's most respected advocates and arbitrators.”

Sean Cottrell, CEO at LawInSport added “Our collaboration with Secretariat reaffirms our intention to deliver a world class experience for all participants and judges. The support provided by Secretariat, and our other sponsors, means we are in a position to provide a truly special experience for the next generation of talented lawyers, no matter their location or financial circumstances."

About SLAM

SLAM welcomes legal students from all over the world and strives to be diverse in its student and judging base. Deserving students are provided with financial assistance for both the registration fee and the costs of appearing in the in-person rounds of the competition (if they advance), where there is demonstrated financial need, to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from receiving the exposure to sports law through the competition.

SLAM is a not-for-profit initiative that brings together people from around the world to support and provide opportunities for students to connect, gain valuable experience that will help them in their career in law and sport. SLAM has seen:

• 120 teams from 20+ countries entering the competition.
• 80+ teams have benefited from receiving written submission and oral advocacy training from leading advocates and arbitrators.  
• 80+ CAS Arbitrators & 100+ advocates, from 20 countries, have volunteered their time and expertise to help judged the written submissions. 23 CAS arbitrators judged the oral rounds (which were all judged solely by CAS arbitrators.

Please note that registrations close on 21 January 2024.

To register a team, please click here.

For more information on the competition, please visit here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information on sponsoring SLAM, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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With nearly 500 professionals located in key commercial and arbitration centres, renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions rely on our disputes, litigation, economic, and data analytics expertise when the stakes are high -- supporting them with meticulous preparation, insightful analysis, and clearly persuasive communications. Secretariat professionals specialize in the following areas:

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• Intellectual Property
• Investigations & Compliance
• Labour & Employment Disputes

Secretariat currently ranks 4th in the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) 2023 Expert Witness Power Index, the preeminent annual ranking of the world’s leading international arbitration practices.

For more information on Secretariat, please visit here.

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FIFA launches digital tool offering overview of current registration bans