ASADA media statement - Federal Court judgment

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) welcomes today’s judgment delivered by Justices Susan Kenny, Tony Besanko and Richard White in the Federal Court appeal by Essendon coach, James Hird.

Today’s unanimous judgment by the Full Court upholds Justice John Middleton’s earlier comprehensive ruling that ASADA lawfully conducted its doping investigation into the Essendon Football Club.

The judgment reaffirms ASADA’s strong view that ASADA and sports have a joint responsibility in upholding clean competition in Australia.

ASADA and sports must partner if we are to have any chance in protecting the integrity of fair competition. This partnership allows ASADA, in harmony with sports, to run a holistic anti-doping programme focused on prevention, education, testing, investigation and enforcement.

ASADA Chief Executive Officer, Ben McDevitt said it is important that the community understands that the fight against doping, is not a fight against sport.

"We remain vigilant in our work to protect the health of athletes and their right to compete against clean athletes," said Mr McDevitt.

Friday, 30 January 2015