Sports: WADA seeks to redefine role
Wada reviewed a draft code that would slap a four-year ban on anyone convicted of using anabolic steroids
MONTREAL:
The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has sought to redefine its role as a sports watchdog in the wake of robust allegations of a doping conspiracy involving cyclist Lance Armstrong and has proposed doubling bans for athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs. At a weekend gathering in Montreal, Wada reviewed a draft code that would slap a four-year ban on anyone convicted of using anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and masking agents or trafficking in these substances. The code, which would also give the anti-doping agency powers of investigation, will be finalised next year and take effect in 2015. “There is a desire to increase penalties, to increase sanctions,” said the Wada chairman. “And if you look at that the four-year (penalty), it certainly invariably will take out somebody competing at the next Olympics once it’s imposed on someone.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ