WADA Compliance Review Committee discusses new cases of Signatory non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code

On 19-20 October, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) met in-person, for its third and final regular meeting this year, to discuss a range of important issues related to WADA’s World Anti-Doping Code (Code) Compliance Monitoring Program.

The CRC Chair, Henry Gourdji, who was accompanied by CRC members and WADA Management in Montreal, led discussions on the following matters:

New cases of Signatory non-compliance with the Code and International Standards involving legislation, the Code Compliance Questionnaire (CCQ), and audit and non-respect of Signatory consequences cases. The cases will be presented to WADA’s Executive Committee on 16 November if the non-conformities discussed by the CRC are still not resolved;
The latest update on the reinstatement conditions imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in its award related to the case between WADA and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency;
An update on:
- Current non-compliant Signatories, including the National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Gabon, and the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding;
- Signatories currently on the ’watchlist‘, including the NADOs of Algeria, Angola, Bermuda, Ecuador, Mongolia, Morocco and the Philippines;
- Signatories whose cases will be referred to the CAS, namely the NADOs of Russia (in relation to additional consequences and conditions of reinstatement) and South Africa.
An update on the operations of Ukraine’s NADO and testing of Ukraine athletes. The Ukraine NADO has a suspended compliance case due to force majeure in relation to the ongoing Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine;
The latest on the amendments to the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories following stakeholder consultation process initiated in June 2023;
An update on the development and implementation of WADA’s Compliance Monitoring Program, including an update on anti-doping rules and legislation review, the CCQ, and WADA’s Signatory audit program. In addition, the CRC reviewed WADA’s progress on its Compliance Annual Plan and approved WADA’s Signatory Audit Plan for 2024.

The CRC also held an in-camera session on 18 October to prepare, review and discuss documentation received.

WADA and the CRC also took the opportunity to express their appreciation to Penny Heyns, who currently fills the athlete member seat of the CRC. Her term concludes at the end of 2023.

The CRC is responsible for providing independent advice, guidance and recommendations to WADA Management and governing bodies on matters relating to Signatories' compliance with the Code.

Mr. Gourdji will report to the next Executive Committee meeting on 16 November and the Foundation Board on 17 November.

Tuesday, 24 October 2023