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.

Division I Council introduces proposals into legislative cycle

During its meeting Wednesday, the Division I Council introduced several proposals into the legislative cycle for potential votes in June.

Among the measures, the council introduced a proposal brought forward by the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee that would remove cannabinoids from the list of substances included in drug testing at NCAA championships. The proposal follows a recommendation from the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, which hosted a 2022 summit — including doctors, substance misuse experts and representatives from NCAA schools — that focused on cannabinoids in college athletics.

"Cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug, and we determined that the drug testing conducted at NCAA championships should focus on substances that impact competitive outcomes," said Pat Chun, athletics director at Washington State and chair of the Strategic Vision and Planning Committee. "To be clear, this does not mean that NCAA members condone or promote use of cannabinoids. However, rather than focus on testing and subsequently penalizing student-athletes who use cannabis, NCAA efforts should focus on a harm reduction strategy, similar to substances like alcohol."

If adopted in June, the proposal would apply retroactively to any penalty associated with a previous positive test.

Additional proposals introduced for a vote in June would:

• Permit noncoaching, sport-specific staff members in sports other than football and men's and women's basketball to assist in drills and other limited activities during practices.
• Eliminate questionnaires sent to prospects prior to the first allowable date for recruiting communications.

Football recruiting rules

The council also heard an update from the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Division Oversight Committees, which voted to limit the number of official visits a school can provide to prospects to 70 each year, including eliminating exceptions for head coach changes and unused visits. The FBS Oversight Committee also voted to limit photo shoots for prospects and those accompanying them during unofficial visits.

Because the council took no action on these decisions by the oversight committees, the rules are adopted. The prohibition on photo shoots in bowl subdivision football will take effect March 1, and the limit of 70 official visits will take effect April 1.

Daniel Senda Suspended From All Football And Football-Related Activity

Daniel Senda has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for four years following misconduct on a course in June 2023 in relation to two complainants.  

The FA alleged that the coach’s words and/or behaviour towards Complainant A were improper and/or indecent and/or insulting contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

The FA also alleged that his words and/or behaviour towards Complainant B were improper and/or indecent and/or insulting contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

Daniel Senda subsequently admitted both of these charges. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanction following a hearing and its written reasons can be seen below.

FA Spokesperson: “Women deserve to be involved in professional football without the fear of any form of abuse. This was a shocking case, and we investigated the very serious allegations as soon as we were made aware of them. 

“We thank the victims for reporting the incidents to us, and supporting the investigation through to its conclusion, and we are deeply sorry that they endured such a terrible experience. 

“The behaviour shown by Daniel Senda in June 2023 will not be tolerated. We will investigate all allegations of sexual assault in a football environment which are reported to us - usually working with the police,  but in this case, the incidents happened overseas so were not within the jurisdiction of UK law enforcement. 

“We hope that the very lengthy ban serves as a strong deterrent, and a clear signal that women in football will be supported and protected and offenders will be severely punished.”

RPA Statement: Team England LLP

The RPA are disappointed to announce that Team England LLP have chosen to end the RPA’s status as exclusive commercial representatives at the end of the current EPS agreement in June 2024.

The RPA have proudly represented the England Men’s squad since 2004, consistently positioning them as the best rewarded in global Rugby Union.

We will continue to support, promote, and protect all elite players in the English game via RPA representation, including those selected to play for the England Men’s side. A current EPS men’s representative has placed on record that the squad give the RPA their full backing in supporting players across the English game.

FIFA Football Agent Regulations: update on implementation

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1873

Zurich, 30 December 2023

FIFA Football Agent Regulations: update on implementation

Dear Sir or Madam,

On 16 December 2022 the FIFA Council approved the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (hereinafter the “FFAR”), which provide with a balanced and reasonable legal instrument to protect the integrity of football and the proper functioning of the football transfer system.

Subsequently, FIFA was subject to a coordinated litigation strategy, which involved agents and agents’ associations filing lawsuits against FIFA across Europe to challenge the legality of the FFAR and to delay their entry into force.

FIFA has so far prevailed in the vast majority of those disputes. Specifically, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the court of supreme instance for sports-related disputes recognised under the FIFA Statutes, has confirmed the legality and proportionality of the FFAR. Courts and/or competition authorities in various countries have rejected several requests from agents to annul the FFAR, declare them invalid, or to delay their entry into force. Moreover, a procedure concerning the validity of the FFAR, in which different institutions have supported the FFAR, is pending before the European Court of Justice.

District Court of Dortmund (Landgericht Dortmund) case 8 O 1/23

On 24 May 2023, a preliminary injunction (the “Injunction”) against certain aspects of the FFAR rules was by the District Court of Dortmund in Germany in the procedure LG Dortmund, 8 O 1/23 (Kart).

The Injunction requests FIFA to suspend the application and enforcement of the certain provisions of the FFAR:

• The service fee cap (article 15 paragraphs 1-4)
• The rules concerning service fee payments (article 14 paragraphs 6, 8 and 11)
• The client pays rule (article 14 paragraphs 2 and 10)
• The rules regarding the timing of service fee payments (article 14 paragraphs 7 and 12)
• The prohibition of double representation (article 12 paragraphs 8-10)
• The reporting obligations (article 16 paragraphs 2 h), j), k) and 4)
• The rules regarding disclosure and publication (article 19)
• The submission rule (article 4 paragraph 2; article 16 paragraph 2 b); article 3 paragraphs 2 c) and d); article 20; and article 21)
• The rule that service fee payments must be made via the FIFA Clearing House (article 14 paragraph 13)

This Injunction is inconsistent with previous judicial decisions in other European countries, the CAS award as well as previous decisions in Germany, including from appeals courts. FIFA has therefore initiated appeal proceedings against the Injunction and an appeal decision is expected in the first semester of 2024.

In order to comply with the Injunction, FIFA will suspend the implementation of the FFAR for any transfer which has a link to the European Union. Implementing the Injunction only for transfers linked to the European Union would create a situation of unequal legal standards within the international transfer system, in particular between Europe and the rest of the world. As the world governing body of football and a prudent and responsible regulator, FIFA has a duty to prevent such uncertainty and inequality and protect competitive balance at a worldwide level.

In light of the foregoing, on 30 December 2023 the Bureau of the Council approved the worldwide temporary suspension of the FFAR rules affected by the above-mentioned German court decision, until the European Court of Justice renders a final decision in the pending procedures concerning the FFAR, 

In this light, we recommend all the member associations to temporarily suspend the equivalent provisions from their national football agent regulations, unless they conflict with mandatory provisions of the law applicable in their territory. 

FIFA remains convinced that the FFAR are a necessary, proportionate and fully legal regulatory step to address systemic failures within the international transfer system. Not only all football stakeholders, but also all European political authorities have confirmed the importance of such a regulatory framework.

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

IBIA welcomes historic vote of Brazilian sports betting law

IBIA welcomes the adoption of the sports betting law by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. The law introduces an effective regulatory and licensing system for operators in Brazil for both sports betting and online casinos. It also includes a range of integrity measures to strengthen the fight against sports betting related match-fixing.

The law includes a requirement that sports betting operators are part of an international monitoring body; a provision that will help to ensure proper mechanisms are put in place to help protect operators, their customers, as well as sports, from potential fraud and manipulation. In addition, the ability for betting operators to suspend payments of bets for matches that are under investigation for potential corruption is important in protecting operators and deterring sports betting related fraud. 

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: ‘This is an historic moment for sports betting in Brazil and is a major step forward in the fight against match-fixing. IBIA welcomes the adoption of specific betting integrity provisions in the law, which the association has been campaigning for since discussions on regulating sports betting began in 2018. A number of Brazilian market focused operators have already joined IBIA, and we look forward to engaging with other operators intent on offering well-protected sports betting products to Brazilian consumers via IBIA’s world leading integrity network.’

IBIA is run by operators for operators, with its monitoring and alert network harnessing the collective resources and expertise of many of the world’s largest regulated sports betting companies. It monitors approximately US$150bn in betting transactions on approximately 650,000 competitive sporting events globally, making it the largest monitor of its type in the world. According to H2 Gambling Capital – the leading independent authority on global gambling market data – IBIA members already account for over 60% of the remote gambling market in Brazil. 

IBIA’s international monitoring and alert network will provide accurate and detailed intelligence on suspicious betting activity on Brazilian sport to betting regulators, law enforcement and sports governing bodies.

Khalid Ali stated: “Although the new law is a very important milestone in the fight against match-fixing, there is no room for complacency. We are committed to working more closely and sharing our expertise with the Brazilian regulatory authorities on the implementing regulation on integrity, as well as with sports and law enforcement to ensure we more effectively detect, deter and sanction sports betting related match-fixing and fraud.”

Opening markets to licensed sports betting operators is key to protecting consumers and the integrity of sporting competitions from sports betting related match-fixing. Regulated sports betting markets channel consumers away from the unregulated markets where most of the issues with match-fixing and corruption arise.

Khalid Ali continued: “By opening-up the market to licensed sports betting operators Brazil is sending a very important message to other markets in Latin America that a dynamic and competitive regulated sports betting framework with strong integrity provisions is essential to the fight against sports betting related match-fixing.”

Sports betting exists within a highly competitive international market and an overly burdensome framework of regulation and taxation will have the counterproductive, and unintended, consequence of driving sports betting customers into unregulated markets, reducing tax revenues and increasing the risk of corruption and match fixing. 

Therefore, whilst IBIA welcomes the fact that the Chamber of Deputies has resisted the temptation to impose higher levels of gambling taxation, the impact of the overall tax burden and the substantial cost of the licencing fee, which remains BRL30m, may deter investments in Brazil.

Rugby League player Harry Tyson-Wilson receives three-year ban for Anti-Doping Rule Violations

Rugby League player, Harry Tyson-Wilson has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for Use and Possession of a Prohibited Substance. 

On 18 May 2022, UKAD received information from the police regarding the production, manufacture, and supply of Prohibited Substances by and to a number of individuals. UKAD commenced an investigation and was subsequently able to identify Rugby League player Mr Tyson-Wilson as one of the purchasers of the Prohibited Substances.  

Evidence obtained by UKAD showed that on 6 March 2019, Mr Tyson-Wilson made a purchase of dianabol, a variant of metandienone. Metandienone is listed under S1(1) of the 2019 WADA Prohibited List as an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid and is a non-Specified Substance, which is prohibited at all times. 

UKAD interviewed Mr Tyson-Wilson on 7 March 2022, where he admitted to purchasing metandienone online in March 2019 and paying for it to be delivered to his home address. Mr Tyson-Wilson also accepted being in possession of the Prohibited Substance after its arrival at his home address.  

On 12 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Tyson-Wilson that he may have committed two ADRVs contrary to Article 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method), and Article 2.6 (Possession of a Prohibited Substance and/or a Prohibited Method) of the 2015 UK Anti-Doping Rules (‘2015 ADR’). UKAD provisionally suspended the player from this date. 

On 18 May 2023, Mr Tyson-Wilson was charged by UKAD with both ADRVs. The player responded on 7 June 2023 admitting the charges and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility of four years. 

Mr Tyson-Wilson benefited from a one-year reduction to his ban after admitting the violation and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility within 20 days of receiving the Charge (pursuant to 2021 ADR Article 10.8.1).  

Mr Tyson-Wilson’s period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced from the date of his Provisional Suspension on 12 April 2023 and will end at midnight on 11 April 2026. 

Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations, said:  

“Anabolic steroids have no place in sport. There are serious consequences for any Athlete caught in possession of them. It’s imperative that Athletes respect their responsibilities under the Anti-Doping Rules and conduct themselves with integrity both on and off the field.  

“This case is a further example of the strong strategic collaborations UKAD has in place with law enforcement partners, and we thank them for their continued support in UKAD’s delivery of intelligence-led anti-doping programmes.” 

The Rugby Football League added, “We support UKAD in their determination to ensure that sport is clean, and in working with other law enforcement partners to do so.” 

Circular no. 1869 - Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1869

Zurich, 19 December 2023

Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24

Dear Sir or Madam,

FIFA is pleased to announce that the FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. These encompass Beach Soccer-specific adjustments while also aligning the Laws with recent modifications introduced in football.

Enclosed, you will find both an overview of the main amendments and the complete Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24. The full Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2023-24 is also readily accessible on FIFA.com.

If you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact Dominic Chielens, Senior Refereeing Manager, at the FIFA Refereeing Subdivision (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Yours faithfully,

FIFA

The full report can be accessed here.

EFL Statement: Mr Yongge Dai

In September 2023, the Reading FC owner Mr Yongge Dai was charged with misconduct after failing to comply with the order of an independent Disciplinary Commission which required him to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated bank account. 

The matter was referred by the League to an independent Disciplinary Commission in accordance with its Regulations and at the hearing, which took place on 23 November 2023, the EFL put forward that Mr Dai should be disqualified from all football activity, including ownership and control, for a period of 12 months.  

In its submissions, the EFL also made it clear that it did not feel a sporting sanction against the Club was appropriate in this case as this was direct action being taken against the owner.  

On review of all the arguments, the independent Commission were ‘unimpressed’ by Mr Dai’s failure to provide detailed evidence as to the ongoing reasons for failure to pay and as to his future intentions but felt a disqualification would not achieve the immediate objective of sourcing the required funds for the deposit account.  

Therefore, the Independent Commission has determined that Mr Dai be fined £20,000 with a further £50,000 suspended and to be activated on 12 January 2024 unless the required deposit is made in full. In addition, Mr Dai is required to maintain the deposit at the levels set out previously until, at the earliest, 31 August 2024.  

It is clear that the Commission are critical of his handling of matters labelling it a ‘serious case ‘and ‘deliberate misconduct.’ 

It is hoped this latest financial sanction, and the threat of further monetary penalties will bring a resolution to the short-term issue of funding the deposit account, which in turn should provide some re-assurance to the management, staff, and players at the Club, who continue to act as outstanding ambassadors for Reading FC, despite the challenging circumstances.  

The League will have no hesitation in bringing further charges against Mr Dai if he fails to comply with the Commission’s directive and is also ready to support the Club in quickly progressing a change of control at the Club once a purchaser has been identified.  

The independent Disciplinary Commission’s Written Reasons can be viewed here.

FIFA Report: Football Agents in International Transfers

This represents an increase of 42.5% compared to the level of spending in 2022, and even surpasses the previous record from 2019 (USD 654.7 million) by more than one third.

By far, the largest proportion of all club agents were employed by clubs in Europe, which also account for the lion’s share (86.6%) of global spending on club agents. Similarly, European clubs employed 86.6% of all engaging-club agents and 82.6% of all releasing-club agents.

The largest amount of agent service fees were paid by clubs from England, with a combined total of more than USD 280 million. While not investing in releasing-club agents, Saudi Arabian clubs had the second-biggest spending on engaging-club agents with USD 86.0 million. Korea Republic had the greatest share of outgoing transfers with a releasing-club agent, with 31.6%.

The number of international transfers with an agent acting on behalf of the player reached a record high in 2023 with a total of 3,353 transfers. This corresponds to 15.4% of all transfers and represents an increase of 8.4% compared to 2022.

For the first time ever, clubs in women’s professional football spent more than USD 1 million for the services of club agents, with a total outlay of just under USD 1.4 million. Club agents were present in a record number of 125 transfers, an increase of more than 20% compared to 2022.

The process for obtaining a licence and becoming a football agent under the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) opened on 9 January 2023 and all individuals could apply for such a licence. During the period covered by the report (1 January 2023 to 30 November 2023), FIFA received 19,973 licensing applications. Out of the total number of exam applicants, 9,207 took the exam on one of two dates. The first exam was held on 19 April 2023, with testing locations at 138 member associations, and the second exam took place on 20 September 2023, with testing locations at 157 member associations. Out of the 9,207 people who sat the exam, 32.6% passed.

As part of its objective to bring more transparency to the football transfer system, FIFA publishes an annual report on football agents. For the first time, due to the adoption and entering into force of the new FFAR, the report not only presents extensive analyses of football agents’ activity in international transfers, but also provides insightful information about the newly introduced licensing system.

The full report can be found here.

Shareholders agree to amend the rule on amortisation of player registration costs to bring in line with UEFA’s regulations

Premier League Shareholders today agreed to amend the rule on amortisation of player registration costs to bring it in line with UEFA’s regulations.

Going forward, a five-year maximum will apply to all new or extended player contracts.

Clubs also approved a rule amendment to enable the Premier League Board, in circumstances where a Club owes a transfer debt to another Premier League or EFL Club, to stop the Club registering more players until the outstanding payment has been made.

The Board can also have the option to deduct the amount from the Club’s entitlement to the League’s central funds.

Canadian Minister of Sport Announces “Future of Sport in Canada Commission”

Global Athlete and Gymnasts for Change Canada acknowledges today’s announcement by the Minister of Sport to establish a ‘Future of Sport in Canada Commission’ to review the Canadian sport system.

We are disappointed the Minister did not support survivors’ and advocates' calls for a National Inquiry that meets judicial standards with the power to compel documents, and subpoena testimony from organizations. We are concerned that these are critical shortcomings in this review that may prevent robust and meaningful outcomes.

Today’s announcement however does send a clear message to all people in sport that the government has recognized that the Canadian sport system is broken and needs repair. This announcement is a direct result of the public pressure applied by courageous survivors, advocates, scholars, and media who are committed to exposing the truth. Their input now, and moving forward, is crucial for the support and success of this review mechanism. 

We intend to continue advocating to ensure this newly announced review is robust, completely independent from sport actors, who created the current failing system, and scrutinizes leading sport organizations and funding bodies.

For almost two years, we have called for a national inquiry into the Canadian sport system. While child abuse and violations of athletes’ human rights underpin our calls, we recognize that abuse and limited justice are symptoms of a larger systemic problem that must be addressed through this review.

Last week, we met with the Minister of Sport at the United Nations in Geneva for the Sporting Chance Forum. Both the Minister and our organizations agreed that any mechanism for reviewing the system must extend to every corner of the sporting landscape to create robust systemic and cultural change.

While it is unclear whether this review has the breadth and depth to address the entire system, engaging with athletes and advocates to further shape the terms of reference will be critical to getting it right. If there is a refusal to meaningfully engage with those most affected and those who have advocated to bring this review to fruition, there will be skepticism and a cloud of suspicion that it is constructed with pre-determined outcomes.

The power of engaging with those most affected and most silenced was demonstrated recently at the Canadian Safe Sport Think Tank. Global Athlete and Gymnastics for Change Canada brought together advocates, survivors, former Provincial, National and Olympic-level athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and scholars to engage in a comprehensive examination of the Canadian sport system. The results of this safe and confidential space allowed for open and honest dialogue in order to uncover the true breadth and depth of the problems.

If this ‘Future of Sport in Canada Commission’ review is to succeed with radical reform of the Canadian sport system and justify its ask for those most affected by violence in sport to participate, it must be trustworthy, athlete and survivor-centric, and include mechanisms for enforcing recommendations to all government-funded organizations.  This announcement is but a first step towards a safe, accessible, and equitable sport experience for participants, at every level and within every community. The work has only just begun.

Salary cap expected to exceed $240 million for 2024 season

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

Independent Arbitrator Imposes Four-Year Sanction on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athlete Andre Luiz Novaes Porfirio for Anti-Doping Rule Violations

USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has rendered a decision in the case of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Andre Luiz Novaes Porfirio, of Miami, FL. After an evidentiary hearing on November 28, 2023, where both Porfirio and USADA were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Porfirio will receive a four-year sanction for multiple anti-doping rule violations. These violations occurred as a result of testing and intelligence from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World No-Gi Championship event in December 2022.

“Powerful performance-enhancing substances are a threat to both the safety of competitors and the integrity of competition,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “Robust testing and investigations, paired with an unflinching commitment to pursuing the truth, is absolutely necessary to ensuring that those who seek an unfair advantage are held accountable.”

Although the IBJJF is not a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, USADA was contracted by IBJJF to conduct the testing and results management program for the event, which also includes post-event out-of-competition testing. IBJJF has agreed to impose the below sanction.

The independent arbitrator determined that Porfirio, 26, committed two counts of evading sample collection by first fleeing the venue at the World No-Gi Championship on December 11, 2022 when he learned there would be testing. Porfirio again evaded sample collection on December 20, 2022, when USADA attempted to collect an out-of-competition urine sample, which Porfirio eventually provided. Evading sample collection, or refusing or failing to submit to sample collection, without compelling justification is a doping violation under the World Anti-Doping Code.

During USADA’s investigation into the circumstances of Porfirio’s first violation, the athlete admitted to using the prohibited substance testosterone prior to the World No-Gi Championship. Porfirio’s sample collected on December 20 also returned an atypical finding for testosterone and its metabolites after analysis using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), which is capable of measuring the carbon isotope ratio of urinary steroids, such as testosterone and its metabolites, and confirming their synthetic origin. IRMS is a powerful tool that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin. Anabolic agents have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors. IRMS testing confirmed that the prohibited anabolic agents detected in the athletes’ samples were consistent with external origin. Based on the admission of use and the atypical finding, the arbitrator concluded that Porfirio committed violations for presence of exogenous testosterone in his sample, as well as the use and/or attempted use of exogenous testosterone.

Porfirio’s four-year period of ineligibility began on March 21, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Porfirio has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved in competitions sanctioned by the IBJJF, or any Code signatory, on and subsequent to December 8, 2022, the approximate first date he used testosterone, to March 21, 2023, the first day of his provisional suspension, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

This decision, as well as other arbitral decisions, can be found here.

Russian tennis player suspended for refusing anti-doping test

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Russian tennis player Vladislav Ivanov has been suspended from the sport for a period of four years by an independent tribunal following a breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).

On 14 September 2022 at the M15 tournament in Morocco, Ivanov was notified to provide an in-competition urine sample and refused to do so, leaving the tournament venue. Although the player later returned to provide a sample, they were charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under article 2.3 of the TADP for refusing to provide a sample when asked to do so.

Ivanov, who had a career-high world singles ranking of 835 in September 2022, requested a hearing before an independent tribunal convened by Sport Resolutions. The hearing was held remotely in November 2023. The Independent Tribunal determined that Mr. Ivanov’s conduct was intentional, within the meaning of TADP Article 10.2.3, and so imposed a period of ineligibility of four years. Results obtained at the Morocco event were also disqualified with forfeiture of ranking points and prize money. The panel noted that the player had received ITIA education about the anti-doping process and had provided a sample two weeks previously, therefore should have been aware of the rules.

The suspension will run from the date of the decision (21 December 2023) until midnight on 20 December 2027.

Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, commented: “A player refusing to undertake a test is rare, but this sends a powerful message to any sportsperson about the devastating consequences if they do.

"We strongly urge players who are selected for testing to provide their sample at the earliest opportunity, listen carefully to instructions given to them by the Doping Control Officer and be chaperoned from the moment of notification through to sample collection. We understand that the testing process can be inconvenient, but it is vital in the fight for a clean sport.”

In accordance with TADP Article 10.14, during the period of ineligibility, the player is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.

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

Professional boxer Krzysztof Glowacki receives four-year ban for Anti-Doping Rule Violations

Polish professional boxer Krzysztof Glowacki has been banned from all sport for a period of four years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.  

On 21 January 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Glowacki after his fight against Richard Riakporhe at the AO Arena in Manchester. Analysis of Mr Glowacki’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for boldenone and its Metabolite, 17β-hydroxy-5β-androst-1-en-3-one.  

Boldenone is listed under section S1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as an anabolic androgenic steroid. It is a non-Specified substance that is prohibited in sport at all times.  

On 6 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Glowacki that he may have committed two ADRVs contrary to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (‘ADR’). UKAD also provisionally suspended Mr Glowacki from all Code-compliant sport from this date. 

On 2 June 2023, UKAD charged Mr Glowacki with both ADRVs. Mr Glowacki responded on 12 June 2023, denying the ADRVs and asserting that he had not taken any Prohibited Substance.  

Mr Glowacki’s case was heard by the independent National-Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) on 31 October 2023. The NADP issued a decision on 21 November 2023 which imposed a period of Ineligibility of four years. Mr Glowacki’s period of Ineligibility commenced on 6 April 2023 and will expire at 11:59pm on 5 April 2027. 

Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations said: “It is very important that athletes respect the rules and understand their responsibilities to uphold clean sport. Boldenone, as with all steroids, is performance enhancing and undermines the integrity of sport. There is no place for steroids in sport.” 

U.S. Cycling Athlete Ina Pfuhler Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Ina Pfuhler, of Cincinnati, Ohio, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.

Pfuhler, 55, tested positive for an anabolic agent as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the Gran Fondo National Championship on September 17, 2023, a highly regarded cycling event where she placed second overall. Her urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test that differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. She also declared the use of this substance in a follow-up email to USADA immediately following sample collection.

Anabolic agents, including testosterone, are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

After investigating, USADA determined that Pfuhler was taking testosterone at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the medical need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why criteria must be fulfilled beyond merely providing a prescription.

Pfuhler’s two-year period of ineligibility began on December 7, 2023, the date her provisional suspension was imposed. Pfuhler has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to September 17, 2023 including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

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

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

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

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

EU Athletes Statement on the Judgement of the Court of Justice in the ISU Case

EU Athletes is pleased with today’s decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered in Case C-124/21 P International Skating Union v Commission which dismisses the appeal filed by the ISU and upholds the cross-appeal from Mark Tuitert, Niels Kerstholt and EU Athletes.

The Court of Justice affirmed that the eligibility rules of the International Skating Union (ISU), granting its authority to approve international skating events and penalise athletes participating in unauthorised competitions, violate EU law. Such regulations provide the ISU with an unfair advantage over its competitors and result in adverse outcomes for athletes.

Importantly, the Court of Justice maintains that the Commission was accurate in challenging the arbitration rules that limit skaters’ access to court proceedings. 

This case holds immense significance for every athlete and player as central to its essence lies athletes’ rights to engage in competition and leverage their commercial opportunities. It also addresses athletes’ access to justice and their entitlement to protection under EU laws as citizens and workers.

EU Athletes has been supporting Dutch speed skaters Mark Tuitert and Niels Kerstholt since their initial complaint in 2014, through the #ChanceToCompete campaign and as the interveners throughout the procedure. We extend our congratulations to Mark and Niels for embarking on this challenging journey and for making an immense contribution to enhancing the situation of athletes.

We would like to express gratitude to the legal experts: Ben van Rompuy and Antoine Duval as well as to Bas Braeken, Jade Versteeg and Timo Hieselaar from Bureau Brandeis.

Natalia Orive, the President of EU Athletes, said: “I am proud of our involvement in this landmark case as it contributes to EU Athletes mission of protecting and advancing the rights and interests of the players. It is important to reiterate that the sport organisations cannot abuse their position at the expense of athletes.” 

Paulina Tomczyk, the General Secretary of EU Athletes, added: “Today’s decision is a great win for Mark and Niels, but also for the player association movement that has been actively supporting their fight for almost a decade. I believe it is a step in the right direction to ensure good governance and respect of athlete’s rights in sport.”

Rugby League player Tobias Richardson serves three-month ban for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby League player Tobias Richardson received a three-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport.  

On 2 July 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Richardson at a game between Midlands Hurricanes and Dewsbury Rams. Analysis of Mr Richardon’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite, benzoylecgonine.   

Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance of Abuse’.  

The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs relating to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance.  

On 17 August 2023, UKAD notified Mr Richardson that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Richardson was also provisionally suspended from this date. 

On 22 August 2023, Mr Richardson admitted that he had taken cocaine and that he had ingested it recreationally while in a social setting during the Out-of-Competition period on Friday 30 June 2023. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Richardson’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that the Athlete’s explanation - that the cocaine had likely been consumed during the Out-of-Competition period - was scientifically plausible.    

Mr Richardson was charged by UKAD on 12 October 2023 with the commission of an ADRV under ADR Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athletes Sample). The player responded on 23 October 2023 accepting the charge and agreeing to the period of Ineligibility of three months asserted by UKAD.   

Mr Richardson has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended. His period of Ineligibility was lifted on 16 November 2023.  

Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:  

“Cocaine is prohibited in sport. It’s a harmful drug and violates the spirit of sport. The rules are clear on substances of abuse. Athletes risk their careers and their reputations by using cocaine.” 

The Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, the sport’s independent charity which leads on player welfare, added: 

“Rugby League supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition, and in this case specifically the recent introduction of the Substance of Abuse programme following positive tests for recreational drugs – supporting players in recognising the dangers of substance misuse, and explaining the range of options for ongoing support – which in Rugby League is led by Rugby League Cares.” 

Circular no. 1868 - Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA

Circular no. 1868

Zurich, 19 December 2023

Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24

Dear Sir or Madam,

FIFA is pleased to announce that the FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Futsal Laws of the Game. These encompass futsal-specific adjustments while also aligning the Laws with recent modifications introduced in football.

Enclosed, you will find both an overview of the main amendments and the complete Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24. The full Futsal Laws of the Game 2023-24 is also readily accessible on FIFA.com for your convenience.

If you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to Dominic Chielens, Senior Refereeing Manager, at the FIFA Refereeing Subdivision (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Yours faithfully,

FIFA

The full report can be accessed here.

EFL Statement: Morecambe Football Club

Morecambe Football Club and owner Mr Jason Whittingham have been charged under EFL Regulations for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision, which required a financial deposit equating to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill to be placed in a separate club account to facilitate the ongoing payment of Club wages.

In August, funds were deposited in line with the agreement for a previous failure to pay the Club’s wage bill, however on September 4, those funds were used and Whittingham failed to re-deposit the amount, despite requests from the League.

Mr Whittingham’s failure to re-deposit the funds has led to personal charges, while the Club has also been charged for failing to meet deposit account requirements.

The charges will now be considered by an independent Disciplinary Commission with the outcome to be communicated by the EFL once a decision is reached.  

The terms of the original Agreed Decision can be viewed here.

Football Bodies Provide Participant Behaviour Update

At the start of the 2023/24 season, the English football authorities introduced a new Participant Behaviour Charter as part of the ‘Love Football. Protect the Game’ football-wide campaign that focuses on addressing unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the sidelines and in the stands.

The new Charter detailed stronger measures for players, managers, coaches, support staff and club officials to adhere to on a matchday and is in place across the Premier League, EFL, National League System (Steps 1-4), Barclays Women’s Super League, and Barclays Women’s Championship.

As a result, the first five months of the 2023/24 season has seen a significant decrease in both incidents of players surrounding match officials and charges of mass confrontations.

Under the new approach, match officials have been empowered by the game to take stronger action, alongside a consistent application of the existing measures, when participant behaviour falls below expected standards. This has seen a significant rise in cautions for dissent for players.

Misconduct Cases

• 37% decrease in charges for surrounding of a match official (from 19 to 12 charges)
• 43% decrease in charges for mass confrontations (from 61 to 35 charges)
• 10% decrease in charges for technical area misconduct (from 70 to 63 charges)

  Match Discipline

• 88% increase in dissent cautions for players (from 966 to 1,813 cautions)

Mark Bullingham, FA CEO said: “This season, English football came together to take a collective stance against unacceptable behaviour in our game.  It’s great to see that the new approach has made a positive impact on the season so far. We have seen a decrease in charges for surrounding of a match official, mass confrontations, technical area misconduct, and an increase in the number of cautions for dissent. This shows that our new approach is making an impact at the top of the pyramid, and we need to maintain this and ensure that these positive changes are carried through to the whole game.”

Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer at PGMOL, said: “We were empowered and supported by the game to be more robust with our actions to address declining behaviour. A culture change won’t happen overnight and it is early days, but we are moving in the right direction and our officials are successfully delivering on our part of the collective football effort to reset behaviours, protect the reputation and promote the positive image of the game for the next generations. It has been encouraging to see improvements in some behaviours already and the aim is that cautions for dissent decrease significantly to a much lower level in time as this culture change takes effect. That is the real indication of the progress, and with the power of example being so strong, we all have a continued duty to hold firm for the benefit of the game’s future.

Rugby League player Charley Bodman banned for 18 months for Anti-Doping Rule Violations

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed that Rugby League player Charley Bodman has been banned from all sport for a period of 18 months following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.

On 25 April 2023, UKAD collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Bodman at a Cornwall RLFC training session. Analysis of Mr Bodman’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for terbutaline.  

Terbutaline is listed under S3 of WADA’s 2023 Prohibited List as a beta-2-agonist and is prohibited at all times.

On 26 May 2023, UKAD notified Mr Bodman that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), and provisionally suspended him.  

Mr Bodman responded to UKAD’s Notice letter, explaining that he had been prescribed the Prohibited Substance, terbutaline, to treat asthma. As an athlete on the National TUE Pool, Mr Bodman is required to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption in advance of taking terbutaline.

Mr Bodman did apply retroactively for a TUE, but the application was denied by UKAD’s independent TUE Fairness Review Panel. The Panel concluded that Mr Bodman had neglected his anti-doping duties by not applying for a TUE in advance of taking his prescribed medication.

As a result of the decision, Mr Bodman did not possess a valid and applicable TUE for terbutaline at the time his sample was collected. Mr Bodman was therefore charged by UKAD with both ADRVs on 8 September 2023.

The player’s legal representatives responded to both charges admitting the violations but submitting that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning attributed to that term by ADR Article 10.2.3. His representatives also submitted that Mr Bodman bore no Significant Fault or Negligence in this matter, and was entitled to a reduction to the otherwise applicable (2) year period of Ineligibility in accordance with ADR Article 10.6.1(b).

UKAD considered Mr Bodman’s evidence and submissions and does not assert that the ADRVs were ‘intentional’. UKAD also considers that Mr Bodman has established that he bore No Significant Fault or Negligence such that he is entitled to a reduction of six months, leaving him with a ban of 18 months.

Mr Bodman’s period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 26 May 2023 and will expire at midnight on 25 November 2024.

Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:

“Medications prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter may contain prohibited substances. It is an athlete’s responsibility to check their medication before using it, even if they have used it before.

“It is also imperative that athletes check whether they are included in UKAD’s National TUE Pool and to understand that, if they are, they are required to apply for a TUE in advance of using medication that contains a Prohibited Substance.”

The Rugby Football League added, “The RFL supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition. Players are responsible for checking the contents of any medication before use.

“The RFL works with RL Cares, the sport’s independent charity, to ensure support is available for players in cases such as this.”

UKAD’s Medicine and TUE Hub has information online for all athletes on how to check the anti-doping status of their medication. Athletes can also check whether they are included in the National TUE Pool. Visit UKAD’s Search Check Apply campaign for more information, including how and when to apply for a TUE.

Sanction: Athletics

The National Center for Sports Arbitration rendered a decision against athlete Karamasheva Svetlana (athletics) for violation under cl. 4.1 and cl. 4.2 of the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules.

The National Center for Sports Arbitration upheld the decision of Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee of RUSADA (DADC) No. 34/2023 dated February 9, 2023, that made the Athlete ineligible for a period of 8 years from the date of the DADC decision, with credit for the served period of provisional suspension from June 17, 2021.

Raza, Campher and Little found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct

Zimbabwe captain, Sikandar Raza and Ireland players, Curtis Campher and Josh Little have been fined for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I match between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

Raza has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee and received two demerit points, meaning he is suspended for the remaining two matches of the ongoing three-match series after his accumulated demerit points reached four within a 24-month period following his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Campher and Little have been fined 15 per cent of their respective match fees and received one demerit point each, their first within 24 months.

All three were found to have breached Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.”

Campher and Little admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Raza admitted to the offence but did not accept the sanction proposed by Mr. Pycroft. The sanction was confirmed in a formal hearing on 8 December.

The incidents occurred as follows:

Raza was charged with aggressively charging towards Campher and Josh Little while pointing his bat and breaking away from the umpire who had tried to calm the situation.

Campher was charged with charging towards Raza, side-stepping one of the on-field umpires who tried to stop his progress.

Little was charged with making physical contact with Raza after the latter complained about Little’s blocking his path when trying to make a run.

On-field umpires Forster Mutizwa and Iknow Chabi, third umpire Langton Rusere and fourth official Christopher Phiri levelled the charges.

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.

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..

About Secretariat

Secretariat experts are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world.

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:

• Antitrust & Competition
• Construction Damages
• Construction Delay & Quantum
• Data Analytics & Strategy
• Data Security & Privacy Compliance
• Digital Forensics
• Disputes
• Economic Damages & Valuations
• Economic Regulation
• Forensic Accounting
• 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.

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”™.

FIFA launches digital tool offering overview of current registration bans

Danny Macklin Suspended From All Football And Football-Related Activity

Danny Macklin has been suspended from all football and football-related activity up to and including 25 March 2024, and he has also been ordered to complete an education course. 
 
The FA alleged that Danny Macklin breached FA Rule E3.1 by using abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening language in reference to a female member of AFC Wimbledon’s staff while he was employed as their Managing Director. 
 
It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as his language included a reference - whether express or implied - to gender.
 
Danny Macklin subsequently admitted this charge. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing and its written reasons can be read here. 

FEI Tribunal issues Consent Award in equine anti-doping case

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Ashva Psyche (FEI ID 107YL76/URU), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CEI2*120 Costa Azul, Canelones (URU) 04-05 November 2023.

The athlete, Teresa Sanchez (FEI ID 10094966/URU), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the athlete; the provisional suspension she already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. She was also fined CHF 5,000 and all results from the event were disqualified.

The full Decision is available here.

U.S. Field Hockey Athlete Tyler Sundeen Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Tyler Sundeen, of Simi Valley, Calif., an athlete in the sport of field hockey, has accepted a six-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.

Sundeen, 30, tested positive for ritalinic acid, a methylphenidate metabolite, as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the Cal Cup Tournament on May 27, 2023. He also declared the use of this substance during sample collection. Methylphenidate is a Specified Substance in the class of stimulants and is prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Hockey Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

After investigating, USADA determined that Sundeen was taking methylphenidate at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, Sundeen lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and his subsequent application for a retroactive and prospective TUE, reviewed by the independent USADA TUE Committee of expert physicians, was denied due to lack of sufficient medical justification. Under the applicable rules, Sundeen was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.

Sundeen’s six-month period of ineligibility began on June 16, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. Sundeen has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to May 27, 2023 including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

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

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

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

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

WADA’s 2024 Prohibited List now in force

Agency calls on athletes, entourage, and all stakeholders to note major modification concerning tramadol  

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind stakeholders that the 2024 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) and the 2024 Monitoring Program enter into force today (1 January 2024). The 2024 List was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) during its meeting on 22 September 2023 and was first published on 28 September 2023. 

The List is one of the eight International Standards that are mandatory for all Signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports. 

Major Modifications for 2024 

All Major Modifications for 2024 are outlined in the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, including the following particular information regarding tramadol:  

On 23 September 2022, the ExCo endorsed the recommendation by WADA’s List Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to prohibit the narcotic tramadol in competition, effective 1 January 2024. The delay in implementation was to ensure stakeholders had enough time to learn and adapt to this change, especially as it pertained to the education of athletes, their entourage, and medical personnel. 

Tramadol has been on WADA’s Monitoring Program and data gathered through that program have indicated significant use in sports. Tramadol abuse, with its risk of physical dependence, opiate use disorder and overdoses, is of concern worldwide and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries. Research studies funded by WADA, as referenced in the Explanatory Note, have also confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance sports performance. 

Annual List Review Process 

WADA leads an annual revision process concerning the List, beginning with an initial meeting in January and concluding with the publication of the List by 1 October. This is an extensive consultation process that includes WADA’s List EAG gathering information, including the latest scientific and medical research, trends, and intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies; circulating a draft List among stakeholders; and, taking their submissions into consideration to revise the draft, followed by review by the Agency’s Health, Medical and Research (HMR) Committee. The HMR Committee then makes its recommendations to WADA’s ExCo, which approves the List during its September meeting. 

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria: 

1. It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance 
 
2. It represents an actual or potential health risk to athletes 
 
3. It violates the spirit of sport 

The full 2024 List was published on 28 September 2023, giving more than three months’ notice to athletes, their entourage, and other stakeholders, enabling them to acquaint themselves with any modifications. Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their bodies and prohibited methods found to have been used. Athletes’ entourages are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit. Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organizations (International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization) for advice. 

Therapeutic Use Exemption Program 

It should be noted that for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport which has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians, and anti-doping stakeholders.  

Educational Resources 

In addition to the documents linked above, WADA has provided, or will provide, a number of educational resources as part of its Code Implementation Support Program (CISP). These resources can be accessed through the links below and on the Agency’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) and include:  

• A CISP Checklist – Implementing Revised List (available now - originally published January 2021) 

• Athlete and Athlete Support Personnel (ASP) Factsheet on tramadol (available now)  

• Medical Professionals Factsheet on tramadol (available now)  

• Athlete and ASP Guide to the 2024 List (to be available in January 2024)  

Languages and Formats 

The 2024 List, the 2024 Summary of Modifications and Explanatory Notes, and the 2024 Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA’s website in English, French, and Spanish. The list is also available in Arabic, German, Greek, Portuguese, and Turkish. 

Stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages are kindly asked to signal their interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. WADA will then provide the necessary files and, once the translation is finalized, will make the translated List available on the Agency’s website.  

The List’s mobile-friendly digital edition is now available.  

Independent Tribunal clears players

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms an independent tribunal has determined that tennis players Tara Moore and Barbara Gatica bore No Fault or Negligence for their Adverse Analytical Findings and are therefore not subject to a period of ineligibility.

Moore and Gatica were provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) on 27 May 2022 and 17 June 2022​​​​​​​ respectively, having tested positive for anabolic steroid boldenone (and nandrolone in the case of Moore) in Bogotá, Colombia in April 2022.

A hearing was convened remotely by Sport Resolutions on 14 and 15 December 2023, following which the independent tribunal determined that contaminated meat consumed by each player in the days before sample collection was the source of the prohibited substance(s) found in the players' samples and, therefore, that both players bore No Fault or Negligence for their violations.

Accordingly, no period of ineligibility was imposed on either player, and the provisional suspensions imposed on each player under the TADP have been immediately lifted - although Gatica remains suspended from tennis due to separate Tennis Anti-Corruption Program offenses.

The ITIA has issued, and will continue to issue, information concerning the risks of meat contamination in certain parts of the world to all players.

Four officials sanctioned under Tennis Anti-Corruption Program

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that four officials have been suspended from the sport for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP).

Three individuals – Lithuanian Edvinas Grigaitis, Georgian Givi Khudoiani, and Armenian Arsen Movsisyan – were sanctioned by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Janie Soublière, while Austrian official Manuel Sperger accepted an agreed sanction directly with the ITIA, having been convicted of match-fixing activity in an Austrian criminal court following collaboration between the ITIA and Austrian authorities.

Grigaitis, a national-level official, received a three-year suspension for four breaches of the TACP, including delaying or manipulating the entry of scoring data for betting purposes, facilitating wagering, and conspiring to commit offenses.

Alongside three major breaches of the TACP, Grigaitis was also charged with wagering on tennis matches they were not involved in. The suspension is effective from 15 December 2023, and will end at midnight on 14 December 2026.

Khudoiani and Movsisyan, national-level officials, were found by AHO Soublière to have collaborated on a scheme to manipulate scoring data from matches in 2019 and 2020 for betting purposes. Khudoiani was found liable for 15 TACP breaches, and Movsisyan was found liable for six.

Khudoiani was handed a 14-year suspension and a $25,000 fine, and Movsisyan received a five-year suspension. The pair have been provisionally suspended since 14 July 2021 - while the investigation and case proceeded - and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against their period of ineligibility. As such, Khudoiani’s suspension will end at midnight on 13 July 2035, and Movsisyan’s suspension will end at midnight on 13 July 2026.

Sperger, a national-level official, was the subject of match-fixing-related proceedings in a criminal court in Innsbruck, Austria, and admitted to manipulating scores in 2016 and 2017 for betting purposes.

The ITIA charged Sperger with 12 offenses under the TACP, including manipulating the entry of scoring data for betting purposes and facilitating wagering. Sperger admitted to the offenses and accepted an agreed sanction of seven years and six months’ suspension, waiving their right to a hearing before an independent AHO.

The suspension is effective from 18 December 2023 and will end at midnight on 17 June 2031. In addition to their suspension, Sperger has been fined $25,000, of which $18,750 is suspended.

During their suspensions, Grigaitis, Khudoiani, Movsisyan and Sperger are prohibited from officiating at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA: ATP, ITF, WTA, Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open, or any national association. 

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

Slovenian women’s national team arrange equal pay and working conditions

• The deal with the country’s football association grants Slovenian women’s national team players working conditions and pay equal to those of the men’s national team
  
  
• It concluded an almost four-year push by the players and their union to get the deal arranged
  
  
• “We are confident that levelling the playing field for the national team will positively benefit the development of this team and the ones that follow,” said co-captain Lara Prasnikar

The players of the Slovenian women’s national team agreed to a deal the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) which grants them working conditions and pay equal to those of the men’s national team.

Last Friday, Slovenian player union SPINS announced the agreement during a press conference. It concluded an almost four-year push by the players and their union to get the deal arranged.

In July this year, the women’s struggle culminated in a letter they wrote to NZS leadership in which they addressed the significant differences in treatment of the men’s and women’s national teams that had a negative effect on their performance.

The women had to deal with poor conditions and facilities for both training and matches, inappropriate travel conditions, bad preparation, unregulated catering and, above all, the unprofessional behaviour of the national team coach and his staff, who they accused of bullying, sexism, and racism among other things.

Most issues have been addressed by the NZS, which replaced the technical staff and finalised the agreement with the women’s national team that meets the players’ needs.

"We are confident that levelling the playing field for the national team will positively benefit the development of this team and the ones that will follow. Equal treatment of women and men should be a given in today's society," said Lara Prasnikar, co-captain of the national team.

Co-captain Mateja Zver added: "By signing the new agreement, we have set an example for the countries that will follow us. We can all be proud of that."

SPINS President Dejan Stefanovic, who is also a FIFPRO global board member, said: "The letter that the players sent illustrated the unanimity between all of our country’s women footballers. Even before this letter was sent, all women players – national team players and all others – had agreed that in case of a strike action, none of them would accept a call-up to appear for the national team. This was part of a strategy suggested by our colleagues of the Israeli union, especially their chair Karen Sendel."

According to Stefanovic, another crucial step was to involve the Advocate of Principle of Equality. "Things started moving very quickly after the Advocate of Principle of Equality began its investigation into discriminatory treatment of the women’s national team. I am sure that the football association is very worried about a possible verdict and that will have helped with getting this deal done."

Stefanovic advises other player unions looking for equality for their women’s players to take a similar approach. He said: "They should make use of the possibilities in their country by identifying organisations or institutions that can help them, whether that is an Advocate of Principle of Equality as in our case, or for example an Ombudsman for Equality as the Finnish player union (JPY) did a couple of years ago.

"Having achieved this important milestone, the first FIFPRO member in Central and Eastern Europe to do so, we are also aware that there is still is a long way to go before women’s players in Slovenia enjoy the same level playing field as the men’s players. But we will continue working closely with the players to arrange that their treatment is improved and follows global trends."

FA Publishes 2022-23 Grassroots Disciplinary Review

The FA has today published its first Annual Grassroots Disciplinary Review, providing an insight into all misconduct types which were overseen by The FA’s Grassroots Discipline Team during the 2022/23 season.

The Review, which covers Step 5 and below of the men’s football pyramid and Step 3 and below of the women’s football pyramid, provides a detailed breakdown of discriminatory conduct across the season, in addition to analysis concerning serious offences against a match official, assaults committed by a participant on a participant, and general misconduct.

This data will now be published each year as part of The FA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring greater transparency across the grassroots game, in an effort to help improve behaviour and to increase confidence in the reporting process for incidents of serious misconduct.

During the 2022/23 season, there were 3,636 allegations of serious misconduct – a 9% increase on the previous season – with 82% of charges being proven. There was also a 10% increase in the number of allegations of discrimination, with the average sanction for proven charges being a seven-match suspension. 

Overall, the average number of days from a case being opened to an investigation being closed was 44 days, which is a 17% improvement on the previous season and is a result of The FA’s ongoing efforts to make the investigative process smoother and to bring perpetrators of serious misconduct to justice faster. 

The full Review for the 2022-23 season can be found here. 

Following consultation with key stakeholders across the game, The FA has introduced pioneering sanctions in recent months to address serious misconduct across grassroots football, including points deductions, ground closures, and the trial of body cams for match officials across selected areas in the grassroots game. 

This was followed by the launch of The FA’s Enough is Enough campaign to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour in grassroots football and the significant consequences that will face perpetrators of hate. Aimed at grassroots players, coaches, parents, and supporters, the campaign makes clear to everyone involved in the game what behaviours are deemed as discriminatory, and focuses on the importance of reporting of incidents, highlighting the different ways to do this through match officials, The FA, Kick It Out and local County FAs. 

Furthermore, The FA and Kick It Out recently collaborated to publish a joint action plan to proactively tackle incidents of discrimination and serious misconduct in grassroots football. The action plan follows new research that was commissioned by both organisations to help identify ways to improve reporting, awareness and handling of incidents of this nature within the grassroots game. 

FA Senior Discipline Manager, Fraser Williamson, said: "Providing this level of transparency is really important to us so that everyone can have a better understanding of the levels of serious misconduct across the game. It also makes clear that we take all allegations of this nature very seriously and that we will take action against offenders. We know that incidents of serious misconduct are on the rise across grassroots game, however we’re clear that this will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face consequences. We’ve recently implemented a number of interventions across our game to help improve the culture and behaviour of participants, both on the pitch and on the sidelines, and we will continue to do all we can to ensure our game is safe and welcoming for all."

FA Rule K Arbitration Award Published Following Proceedings by Football Agencies

The FA Rule K arbitration award has been published today following the proceedings by football agencies to challenge National Football Agent Regulations [NFAR] implementation.

Full details can be found HERE. 

Rugby Union player Ryan Olowofela serves three-month ban for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby Union player Ryan Olowofela received a three-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport. 

On 26 March 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Olowofela at a game between Nottingham RFC and Bedford Blues RFC. Analysis of the Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite, benzoylecgonine. 

Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance of Abuse’. 

The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs relating to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance. 

On 28 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Olowofela that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Olowofela was also provisionally suspended from this date. 

On 5 May 2023, Mr Olowofela admitted that he had taken cocaine and stated that he had ingested it recreationally on Thursday 23 March 2023. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and its Metabolite benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Olowofela’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that this explanation was not scientifically plausible. 

UKAD charged Mr Olowofela on 15 June 2023 with the commission of two ADRVs under ADR Article 2.1 (presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance or Method). 

Mr Olowofela responded on 6 July 2023 denying the charges. The player provided a revised account, stating that his original recollection was incorrect, and he had in fact ingested cocaine on Friday 24 March 2023. The player provided evidence to support this account, including witness statements and bank records. The scientific expert examined the player’s revised account and concluded that his explanation was consistent with Out-of-Competition ingestion. As a result, the charge under Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance or Method) was not pursued.

Mr Olowofela accepted the charge of Article 2.1 and the asserted period of Ineligibility of three months. Mr Olowofela has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended (since 28 April 2023). His period of Ineligibility was lifted on 28 September 2023, on the basis that the player had already served the maximum three-month period of Ineligibility applicable to his case. Mr Olowofela is free to resume participation in sport.

Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said: 

“Athletes need to respect the Anti-Doping Rules. It’s important to remember that cocaine and other ‘recreational drugs’ are prohibited in sport. These substances are harmful to athlete health, and they impact careers and reputations.”

The ITA welcomes the decision of CAS confirming the sanction of weightlifter Nijat Rahimov for sample swapping

As a follow-up to the ITA’s and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) investigations on doping in the sport of weightlifting until 2018, the ITA had received WADA’s case file pertaining to “Operation Arrow”. This investigation focused on the practice of urine substitution at the point of collection. After a thorough assessment of the information and evidence the ITA decided to assert an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) for sample swapping against athlete Nijat Rahimov (Kazakhstan). The urine substitution (Article 2.2 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules) occurred on four occasions over a period of time in 2016, in preparation for the Olympic Games Rio 2016.

On 22 March 2022, the anti-doping division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS ADD) sanctioned the athlete with 8 years of ineligibility and the disqualification of all results obtained from 15 March 2016.

On 12 April 2022, the athlete filed an appeal before CAS. A hearing took place on 22 September 2022 at the CAS headquarters in which the ITA represented the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). After hearing the parties and considering the written submissions and evidence, CAS confirmed that the athlete had committed several ADRVs for the of use of a prohibited method (urine substitution) in accordance with Article 2.2 of the IWF Anti-Doping Rules.

In its decision, CAS notably held that this matter was “a clear case of cheating by an athlete seeking to avoid anti-doping testing” and that “this is the kind of cheating the anti-doping rules are designed to prevent”.

Since this was the athlete’s second ADRV, CAS confirmed that Nijat Rahimov should be sanctioned with 8 years of ineligibility. The disqualification of all results obtained by the athlete from 15 March 2016 (date of the first evidence of urine substitution) until the provisional suspension imposed on 18 January 2021, which includes the gold medal obtained at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 (Men’s 77 kg), was also confirmed.

The ITA will not comment further on this case.

Sanction: Rugby