Anti-Doping Laws in Sports: Regional Compliance and Enforcement in MENA
Sports & Events Management Focus
Anti-doping is a global challenge that requires a coordinated response from all stakeholders involved in sport. The MENA region has shown its commitment to aligning its anti-doping rules and programs with the Code and the International Standards.
Law Update: Issue 371 - All Access Pass to Sports and Events Law
Michael EybersAssociate,Corporate Commercial
Doping in sport is a global phenomenon that threatens the health, integrity, and fairness of athletes and competitions. Doping is defined as the use or presence of any prohibited substance or method that enhances performance, poses a health risk, or violates the spirit of sport. Prohibited substances and methods are listed in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, which is updated annually and covers categories such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones, stimulants, blood doping, and gene doping.
To prevent and combat doping in sport, WADA has developed the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code), which is the core document that harmonises the rules and regulations of anti-doping across all sports and countries. The Code aims to protect the health, rights, and integrity of athletes and the spirit of sport from the threat of doping. The Code defines doping, outlines the anti-doping rule violations, specifies the sanctions and consequences for doping, and establishes the roles and responsibilities of various anti-doping organisations. The Code is implemented by various anti-doping organisations (ADOs) that have roles and responsibilities under the Code, such as WADA, international federations (IFs), national anti-doping organisations (NADOs), national Olympic committees (NOCs), national Paralympic committees (NPCs), major event organisations (MEOs), and regional anti-doping organisations (RADOs).
One of the key aspects of the Code is the monitoring and enforcement of compliance by the ADOs. WADA is the global regulator and watchdog of anti-doping and has the authority to monitor, assess, report, and declare the compliance status of the ADOs with the Code and the International Standards. WADA also has the power to initiate investigations, impose corrective actions, and apply sanctions and consequences for non-compliance by the ADOs. These sanctions and consequences may include fines, suspension or withdrawal of funding, exclusion or restriction from events, special monitoring or supervision, or takeover of anti-doping activities by an approved third party. The ADOs have the right to dispute WADA's allegations, sanctions, or reinstatement conditions through an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Code also recognises the role and involvement of governments in anti-doping through the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, which is the legal instrument that enables governments to align their domestic policies and legislation with the Code. The Code encourages governments to ratify and comply with the UNESCO Convention, to support and respect the autonomy and independence of the ADOs in their countries, to share information and cooperate with the ADOs, to discipline and prevent the involvement of public officials and employees in doping, to adopt rules or policies for athlete support personnel who are not subject to the Code, and to respect arbitration as the preferred means of resolving doping disputes.
The Code is a living document that evolves and adapts to the changing realities and challenges of anti- doping. It is subject to periodic review and amendment by WADA in consultation with its stakeholders, including ADOs, governments, athletes, experts, and the public. The Code aims to achieve harmonisation, coordination, and effectiveness of anti-doping programs across all sports and countries, to ensure fair competition and protect athletes' rights, and to preserve the intrinsic value and spirit of sport.
This article will consider compliance and enforcement of anti-doping regulations in the MENA region, detailing the roles of various national anti-doping organisations and their alignment with the Code and the UNESCO Convention. The article will focus on the following countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Morocco.
The Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) has issued the Saudi Anti-Doping Rules in Sport 2021, which are based on the Code and its International Standards. The rules aim to protect the health and integrity of athletes and promote fair competition in Saudi sports, in compliance with the international anti-doping regulations.
The rules define doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations listed in Article 2, such as the presence, use, possession, trafficking, administration, complicity or tampering of prohibited substances or methods. The rules also specify the prohibited list, the testing and investigation procedures, the results management process, the sanctions and consequences for violations, the rights and responsibilities of athletes and other persons, and the appeal mechanisms.
The rules apply to all athletes and athlete support personnel who are members or license-holders of any national federation in Saudi Arabia, or who participate in any event or activity organised or endorsed by any national federation or SAADC. The rules also apply to any other person who is subject to the authority of any national federation or SAADC for anti-doping purposes.
The rules require all national federations and their members to comply with the code, the international standards, and the rules, and to recognise the authority and responsibility of SAADC for implementing the Saudi anti-doping program and enforcing the rules. The rules also require all national federations to incorporate the rules into their governing documents and rules of sport, to cooperate with and support SAADC in its anti-doping activities, to report any information or violation to SAADC and their international federation, to conduct anti-doping education in coordination with SAADC, and to accept and abide by the decisions made pursuant to the rules.
The rules also establish the consequences for non-compliance by national federations or other sporting bodies, which may include exclusion, suspension, withholding of funding, reimbursement of costs, or other sanctions, as determined by SAADC or requested by the government, the national Olympic committee, or the international federations. The rules also provide for the recognition and implementation of decisions by other anti-doping organisations, such as WADA, CAS, international federations, or major event organisations, in accordance with the code.
The rules also allow for the possibility of a single hearing before CAS or a case resolution agreement with SAADC in certain circumstances. The rules also stipulate the confidentiality and reporting obligations of SAADC, and other parties involved in anti-doping matters, as well as the data privacy and protection requirements. The rules also mandate the public disclosure of anti-doping rule violations and sanctions, as well as the statistical reporting of doping control activities.
The rules came into force on 1 January 2021 and repealed the previous rules that came into effect on 1 January 2017. The rules do not apply retroactively to matters pending before that date, except for certain provisions.
The UAE National Anti-Doping Committee (UAE NADO) is the body responsible for implementing and enforcing the anti-doping program in the UAE, in accordance with the Code and the International Standards. The UAE National Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations 2015 outline the rules, procedures, and sanctions for preventing and combating doping in sport in the UAE.
The rules apply to all athletes and athlete support personnel who participate in any sport activity organised or endorsed by any national federation or other sport organisation in the UAE, as well as to any other person who is subject to the jurisdiction of UAE NADO for anti-doping purposes.
The rules define doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations listed in Article 2, such as the presence, use, possession, administration, trafficking or complicity of prohibited substances or methods. The rules also establish the testing and investigation authority of UAE NADO, both in-competition and out-of-competition, and the obligation of athletes to provide whereabouts information and to comply with sample collection.
The rules specify the process of results management, including the review, notification, provisional suspension, and hearing of anti-doping rule violations, as well as the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) or to the UAE National Anti-Doping Appeal Committee. The rules set out the consequences for anti-doping rule violations, which may range from a reprimand to a lifetime ban, depending on the type, circumstances, and number of violations, as well as the degree of fault or negligence of the offender. The rules also provide for the automatic disqualification of individual results, the consequences to teams, and the sanctions and costs assessed against sporting bodies.
The rules require all national federations and their members to comply with and incorporate the rules into their own regulations, and to cooperate with UAE NADO and other anti-doping organisations in the anti-doping program. The rules also mandate the public disclosure and statistical reporting of anti- doping rule violations and decisions, as well as the protection of confidentiality and data privacy.
The rules emphasise the importance of education and prevention programs for doping-free sport, and the roles and responsibilities of athletes and athlete support personnel to be knowledgeable of and adhere to the rules. The rules are intended to be interpreted as an independent and autonomous text, and to be consistent with the Code and the International Standards. The rules may be amended from time to time by UAE NADO, and shall not apply retroactively to matters pending before the date of their adoption. The rules came into full force and effect on 1 January 2015.
The Kuwait Anti-Doping Agency (KADA) has adopted and implemented new anti-doping rules in compliance with the 2021 Code, which aims to protect the integrity and fairness of sport and the health of athletes.
The new rules, which came into force on 1 January 2021, outline the responsibilities, definitions, and violations related to doping in sport, as well as the testing, investigations, results management, sanctions, and appeals procedures. The rules apply to all athletes, athlete support personnel, and other persons who participate or are involved in sport in Kuwait, or who are subject to the authority of KADA.
KADA is authorised by WADA to conduct all aspects of doping control in Kuwait, and to cooperate with other anti-doping organisations at the national, regional, and international levels. KADA may delegate some aspects of doping control to third parties but remains fully responsible for ensuring compliance with the code and the international standards. KADA may also refer cases to the CAS Anti-Doping Division for adjudication.
The rules provide for a range of sanctions for anti-doping rule violations, depending on the type, circumstances, and severity of the violation, as well as the degree of fault or negligence of the person involved. The sanctions may include disqualification of results, periods of ineligibility, provisional suspensions, financial consequences, and public disclosure. The rules also allow for some reductions or suspensions of sanctions in certain cases, such as substantial assistance, admission, no fault or negligence, or no significant fault or negligence.
The rules require all national federations and other sporting bodies in Kuwait to comply with, implement, uphold, and enforce the rules and standards of the code and the international standards within their area of competence. They shall also recognise the authority and decisions of KADA and other anti-doping organisations, and take appropriate action to enforce compliance by their members and affiliates. In case of any failure to comply, KADA may request or impose sanctions against the non-compliant body, such as exclusion from events, withholding of funding or support, fines, or suspension of activities.
The rules also oblige all athletes and other persons to be knowledgeable of and comply with the rules, to cooperate with anti-doping organisations, to inform medical personnel of their obligations, to disclose any prior violations, and to foster anti-doping attitudes. The rules also prohibit any offensive conduct or retaliation against doping control officials or persons who report doping.
The rules aim to protect the health of athletes and the integrity of sport in Kuwait, and to contribute to the eradication of doping in sport. The rules reflect the consensus of a broad spectrum of stakeholders around the world as to what is necessary to protect and ensure fair sport. The rules are subject to periodic review and revision by KADA in accordance with the code and the international standards.
The Jordan Anti-Doping Organisation (JADO) is the local body responsible for overseeing the doping control process, managing test results, and conducting investigations.
The doping control process involves 11 stages, from the notification of the athlete to the analysis of the samples in a WADA accredited laboratory. The process is designed to ensure the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of the samples and the results. Athletes have the right to have a representative, an interpreter, and additional information during the process, as well as to request modifications if they have a disability. Athletes also have the responsibility to comply with the sample collection procedures, produce appropriate identification, and report to the doping control station as soon as possible, unless there are valid reasons for a delay. Failure to comply with the anti-doping rules may constitute an anti-doping rule violation, which can result in sanctions such as disqualification, suspension, or loss of medals or prizes.
JADO oversees handling the results management and imposing the appropriate sanctions, in accordance with the WADA Code and the International Standards. JADO also has the authority to conduct investigations into potential anti-doping rule violations, such as tampering, trafficking, or complicity.
JADO works closely with WADA and other anti-doping organisations to ensure the coordination of anti-doping efforts. JADO is subject to WADA's compliance monitoring program, which evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the anti-doping rules and programs. JADO is required to report regularly to WADA on its activities and performance indicators, as well as to undergo audits and reviews. JADO also participates in WADA's education and outreach initiatives, which aim to raise awareness and prevent doping among athletes and the public.
As a member of WADA, Iraq is committed to promoting and protecting the spirit of sport and ensuring fair and clean competition for all athletes. To achieve this, Iraq has adopted the anti-doping rules and regulations set by WADA, which define what constitutes doping and what sanctions apply for anti-doping rule violations.
Doping is the use or presence of any prohibited substance or method that enhances performance, poses a health risk, or violates the spirit of sport. Prohibited substances and methods are listed in the WADA Prohibited List, which is updated annually and covers categories such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones, stimulants, blood doping, and gene doping. Athletes are responsible for knowing what substances and methods are prohibited and for avoiding any contamination or inadvertent use of banned products. Athletes are also subject to testing and investigations by the Iraqi Anti-Doping Organisation (IADO), which is the national body responsible for implementing and enforcing the anti-doping rules in Iraq. Athletes must comply with testing requests and provide accurate and complete information to IADO and WADA. Athletes must also respect their rights and obligations under the anti-doping rules, such as the right to a fair hearing and the obligation to report any doping activity or suspicion.
If an athlete commits an anti-doping rule violation, he or she will face serious consequences, such as disqualification of results, loss of medals, prizes, and records, suspension from sport, loss of income and sponsorship, damage to reputation and career, and health risks. The period of ineligibility depends on the type and severity of the violation, the substance or method involved, the intention and fault of the athlete, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. The basic sanction for intentional cheating is four years, while the basic sanction for unintentional doping is two years, which may be reduced or increased depending on the circumstances. In some cases, the sanction may be a lifetime ban from sport.
Iraqi athletes are expected to play true and respect the anti-doping rules and values. By doing so, they will not only protect their own health and integrity, but also the credibility and dignity of sport in Iraq and the world.
The Bahrain National Anti-Doping Organisation (BNADO) has adopted and implemented the rules and standards of the Code to govern doping control in sports within the Kingdom of Bahrain. The BNADO Anti-Doping Rules 2022 outline the definitions, violations, procedures, and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in combatting doping in sport.
The rules apply to all athletes, athlete support personnel, national federations, and other persons who participate in or assist with sports activities organised or authorised by BNADO or its affiliates. The rules also apply to any person who is subject to the authority of BNADO for anti-doping purposes, such as international-level athletes, national-level athletes, recreational athletes, and protected persons.
The rules define doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations set forth in Article 2, such as the presence, use, possession, administration, trafficking, complicity, or tampering of prohibited substances or methods. The rules also specify the consequences of anti-doping rule violations, which may include disqualification of results, ineligibility to participate in competitions or activities, provisional suspension, financial sanctions, and public disclosure. The rules also provide for various grounds for reducing or increasing the period of ineligibility depending on the circumstances and the degree of fault or negligence of the person involved.
The rules establish the authority and responsibility of BNADO to conduct all aspects of doping control, including testing, investigations, results management, education, and implementation of decisions. BNADO may delegate some of these aspects to a third party, but shall remain fully responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code and the International Standards. BNADO shall also cooperate with and support other anti-doping organisations, such as WADA, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and the International Federations, in their anti-doping activities and information sharing.
The rules also require all national federations and other sporting bodies in the Kingdom of Bahrain to comply with, implement, uphold, and enforce the rules and standards of the Code and the International Standards within their area of competence. They shall also adhere to the authority and decisions of BNADO and other anti-doping organisations, and take appropriate action to enforce compliance by their members and affiliates. In case of any failure to comply, BNADO may request or impose sanctions against the non-compliant body, such as exclusion from events, withholding of funding or support, fines, or suspension of activities.
The rules also provide for the right to a fair hearing and appeal for any person who is asserted to have committed an anti-doping rule violation. The hearing and appeal process shall be conducted in accordance with the Code and the International Standard for Results Management, and shall respect the principles of natural justice and human rights. The hearing and appeal bodies shall be fair, impartial, and operationally independent from BNADO or any other party involved in the case.
The final appeal body for cases involving international-level athletes or international events shall be the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The rules aim to protect the health of athletes and the integrity of sport in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to contribute to the elimination of doping in sport. The rules reflect the consensus of a broad spectrum of stakeholders around the world as to what is necessary to protect and ensure fair sport. The rules are subject to periodic review and revision by BNADO in accordance with the Code and the International Standards.
Qatar is a signatory to the UNESCO Convention on Doping in Sport and a member of WADA, which sets the global standards and codes for preventing and combating doping in sport. Qatar is committed to ensuring a fair and healthy environment for its athletes and sports organisations, and to complying with the WADA rules and regulations.
Qatar's anti-doping rules are based on the WADA Code, which defines doping, outlines the anti-doping rule violations, specifies the sanctions and consequences for doping, and establishes the roles and responsibilities of various anti-doping organisations. The Code also defines the prohibited substances and methods, the testing and investigation procedures, the results management and sanctions, and the education and awareness programs.
Qatar has established several bodies and mechanisms to implement and enforce its anti-doping rules, such as the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Qatar Anti-Doping Committee (QADC), and the Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ). These bodies are responsible for conducting anti-doping tests, investigations, hearings, appeals, and education, as well as cooperating with WADA and other international and national anti-doping organisations.
Qatar's anti-doping rules apply to all athletes and athlete support personnel who participate in or are affiliated with any sport or event organised or endorsed by QOC, QADC, or any national or international federation. Any violation of the anti-doping rules may result in disciplinary action, such as disqualification, suspension, fines, or criminal prosecution, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
Qatar's anti-doping rules aim to protect the integrity of sport and the health of athletes, as well as to promote the spirit of sport and the ethical values of honesty, respect, and fair play. Qatar encourages all its athletes and athlete support personnel to abide by the anti-doping rules and to report any suspected or actual doping activity to the relevant authorities. Qatar also supports the efforts of WADA and other anti-doping organisations to improve the anti-doping system worldwide.
The Egyptian Anti-Doping Organisation (EGY-NADO) has adopted and implemented the Egyptian Anti- Doping Rules 2021, which are based on the Code and its International Standards. The rules aim to ensure fair competition and eradicate doping in sports in Egypt, and apply to all athletes, athlete support personnel, national federations, and other persons involved in sport in Egypt.
The rules define doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations listed in Article 2, such as the presence, use, or possession of prohibited substances or methods, evasion or refusal of testing, tampering or attempted tampering with any part of the doping control process, complicity or attempted complicity in an anti-doping rule violation, prohibited association with a person subject to a sanction, or retaliation against a person who reports doping. The rules also specify the procedures and responsibilities for testing, analysis, results management, hearings, appeals, sanctions, and education.
EGY-NADO is the sole entity responsible for conducting all aspects of doping control in Egypt, except for the jurisdiction of international federations and major event organisations. EGY-NADO may delegate some of its functions to third parties, but remains fully accountable for compliance with the code and the rules. EGY-NADO may also refer cases to the CAS Anti-Doping Division for adjudication.
The rules require all national federations and other sporting bodies in Egypt to comply with, implement, uphold, and enforce the rules within their area of competence, and to adhere to the authority and responsibility of EGY-NADO. The rules also empower EGY-NADO to request or impose additional disciplinary actions against any national federation or other sporting body that fails to do so, such as exclusion from events, withholding of funding, reimbursement of costs, or suspension.
The rules also oblige all athletes and other persons to be knowledgeable of and comply with the rules, to cooperate with anti-doping organisations, to inform medical personnel of their obligations, to disclose any prior violations, and to respect the confidentiality and privacy of personal information. The rules also prohibit any offensive conduct or retaliation against doping control officials or persons who report doping.
The rules are intended to be interpreted as an independent and autonomous text, and not by reference to existing law or statutes. The rules also incorporate the Prohibited List, which is published and revised by WADA, and which identifies the prohibited substances and methods that are banned in sport. The rules also provide for the possibility of obtaining therapeutic use exemptions for the use of prohibited substances or methods for legitimate medical reasons.
The rules are effective from January 1, 2021, and shall not apply retroactively to matters pending before that date. The rules are subject to amendments or revisions by EGY-NADO in accordance with the code.
The Oman Anti-Doping Committee (OADC) is the national body responsible for implementing and enforcing the anti-doping rules and standards set by WADA in Oman. As a signatory to the WADA Code, the OADC is committed to maintaining the integrity of sport and protecting the rights of clean athletes in Oman.
The OADC follows the WADA Code, which defines doping, outlines the anti-doping rule violations, specifies the sanctions and consequences for doping, and establishes the roles and responsibilities of various anti-doping organisations. The OADC also adheres to the International Standards issued by WADA, which provide technical and operational guidance on testing, analysis, results management, education, intelligence and investigations, and compliance.
The OADC conducts doping control activities, such as planning and conducting testing, collecting, and analysing samples, managing results, conducting investigations, and imposing sanctions. The OADC also provides anti-doping education and awareness programs to athletes, athlete support personnel, and other stakeholders in Oman. The OADC cooperates with WADA, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the International Federations, and other anti-doping organisations to ensure an effective fight against doping in sport. The OADC is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation by WADA to ensure its compliance with the Code and the International Standards. In case of any non- compliance, the OADC may face corrective actions or consequences as determined by WADA.
The OADC aims to promote the spirit of sport and the values of fair play, honesty, excellence, respect, and health in Oman. The OADC encourages all athletes and other persons involved in sport to play true and respect the anti-doping rules.
Morocco has adopted anti-doping rules in line with the Code 2021, which came into effect on 1 January 2021. The Code is the fundamental and universal document that covers the core elements of anti-doping programs in sport, including testing, education, investigations, results management, and sanctions.
The Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency (AMAD), chaired by Dr Fatima ABOUALI, is the entity responsible for implementing the national anti-doping policy and ensuring compliance with the Code and the International Standards. AMAD was created on 13 January 2021, in accordance with Law 97-12 of 30 August 2017 and its implementing decree 2019 as amended and supplemented in 2020 and 2021. AMAD is an independent institution in the form of a legal entity under public law with financial autonomy.
AMAD's main roles and responsibilities include conducting test distribution planning and testing; managing test results and conducting hearings; granting therapeutic use exemptions; conducting education and awareness programs; conducting investigations and intelligence gathering; cooperating with other anti-doping organisations and WADA; and reporting to WADA through ADAMS.
AMAD is also subject to monitoring and enforcement by WADA, which has the authority to declare a signatory non-compliant with the Code and to impose consequences for non-compliance. These consequences may include fines, suspension or withdrawal of funding or recognition, exclusion from events, or supervision or takeover of anti-doping activities by an approved third party. WADA may also appeal any decision by AMAD or other anti-doping organisations to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
AMAD's mission is to protect the rights of clean athletes and the integrity of sport in Morocco by preventing and combating doping in sport, in accordance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights.
The Lebanese Olympic Committee (LIB-OC) has adopted new anti-doping rules in accordance with the Code and the International Standards, effective from January 1, 2021. The rules aim to protect the health and integrity of athletes and ensure fair competition in sports within Lebanon.
The rules define doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations, such as the presence, use, possession, trafficking, administration, complicity, or retaliation involving prohibited substances or methods. The rules also specify the consequences of doping, which may include disqualification, ineligibility, provisional suspension, financial sanctions, and public disclosure.
The rules establish the roles and responsibilities of the LIB-OC, the athletes, the athlete support personnel, the national federations, and other persons subject to the rules. The LIB-OC is responsible for conducting all aspects of doping control, including testing, investigations, results management, education, and appeals. The LIB-OC may delegate some of its functions to third parties, but remains fully accountable for compliance with the code and the rules. The LIB-OC may also refer cases to the CAS Anti-Doping Division for adjudication.
The athletes and other persons are required to be knowledgeable of and comply with the rules, to cooperate with the doping control process, to inform medical personnel of their obligations, to disclose any prior violations and to foster anti-doping attitudes.
The athletes are also required to provide whereabouts information and to be available for sample collection at all times.
The national federations are required to incorporate the rules into their governing documents and rules of sport, to cooperate with and support the LIB-OC in its anti-doping activities, to enforce compliance with the code and the rules by their members, to conduct testing under the authority of their international federation and the LIB-OC, to recognise and implement the decisions made under the rules and to conduct anti-doping education in coordination with the LIB-OC.
The rules also provide for the implementation of decisions by signatory anti-doping organisations, the recognition of decisions by non-signatory bodies, the statute of limitations, the confidentiality and reporting of information, the use of the ADAMS database and the protection of privacy and personal information.
The rules stipulate that any failure to comply with the code and the rules by any person or organisation may result in disciplinary actions, such as exclusion, suspension, withholding of funding or reimbursement of costs. The rules also grant WADA the authority to monitor compliance and to direct the LIB-OC to conduct results management in particular circumstances.
Any decision made under the rules may be appealed to the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel appointed by the LIB-OC or to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The rules aim to promote the spirit of sport and the values of fair play, honesty, excellence, respect, and health in Lebanon
Anti-doping is a global challenge that requires a coordinated response from all stakeholders involved in sport. The MENA region has shown its commitment to aligning its anti-doping rules and programs with the Code and the International Standards, as well as to cooperating with WADA and other anti-doping organisations. The national anti-doping organisations in the MENA region have adopted and implemented their own anti-doping rules, which reflect the principles and values of the Code and the International Standards. These rules aim to protect the health and integrity of athletes, ensure fair competition, and promote the spirit of sport in the region. The national anti-doping organisations also conduct various anti-doping activities, such as testing, investigations, results management, education, and appeals, as well as report to WADA on their compliance status and performance indicators. The national anti-doping organisations also face the possibility of sanctions and consequences for non-compliance, as determined by WADA or other anti-doping organisations. The national anti-doping organisations also acknowledge and implement the decisions made by other anti-doping organisations, as well as by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. By adopting and implementing the anti-doping rules and standards, the MENA region contributes to the global and harmonised fight against doping in sport, and to the protection and enhancement of the spirit of sport.
For further information,please contact Michael Eybers.
Published in October 2024
