February 14, (THEWILL) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), has announced that it has referred the national anti-doping agencies of Nigeria and Venezuela to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), over alleged non-compliance with critical anti-doping requirements. WADA stated on Tuesday, that arbitration requests were filed with CAS on February 9, regarding the two agencies.
According to WADA, the agencies were initially sanctioned in November 2023, for failing to meet essential anti-doping standards. The specific allegations and consequences will not take effect unless CAS rules in favour of the sanctions. Both Nigeria and Venezuela have disputed WADA’s claims of non-compliance up to this point.
If CAS upholds the recommended punishments, Nigeria and Venezuela, would face penalties such as the inability to host major sporting events and lack of flag representation at competitions. These sanctions would remain until each nation’s anti-doping agency meets reinstatement conditions set by WADA.
WADA stressed that anti-doping compliance is critical for clean international sport. The agency will now await the rulings from CAS regarding the current cases against Nigeria and Venezuela. Strict enforcement of global anti-doping rules remains a priority for WADA as it continues working with agencies worldwide.
Updates on the arbitration decisions and potential impacts on Nigeria and Venezuela are expected later this year. The outcome will demonstrate WADA’s capability and willingness to ensure high standards for athlete safety and competitive fairness.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
