CAF Launches Anti-Doping Workshop Ahead of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening anti-doping measures in African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in collaboration with FIFA, organized its first-ever workshop for doping control officers (DCOs). The workshop took place on March 19–20, 2019, in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together 25 specialists from across the continent to update their skills and knowledge in anti-doping practices.
The program focused on critical aspects of doping control, including anti-doping strategies in football, prohibited substances, the proper use of supplements, and therapeutic use exemptions. The workshop combined both theoretical and practical sessions, ensuring that participants were well-equipped to perform their duties effectively.
Yacine Zerguini, Vice-President of the CAF Medical Commission, emphasized the importance of the workshop in developing a professional cadre of doping control officers for African football competitions. “One of the objectives is to update and modernize anti-doping control workshops, incorporating all recent changes and new features, in alignment with FIFA and global standards,” Zerguini noted.
As a result of the workshop, CAF established a dedicated doping control unit. This unit will include representatives from the CAF General Secretariat, as well as the medical and legal departments, tasked with overseeing doping-related issues and ensuring that all procedures are conducted professionally and efficiently.
Zerguini further revealed that, with FIFA’s support, CAF will carry out out-of-competition doping tests ahead of the Total Africa Cup of Nations “Egypt 2019”. These tests will ensure that every player participating in the finals undergoes at least one anti-doping test prior to the tournament, marking a significant step toward fair play and transparency in African football.
From FIFA, Alexis Weber, medical and anti-doping officer, and Monika Keller, anti-doping project manager, provided expertise and guidance throughout the workshop. They highlighted the latest trends in doping control and offered practical advice for implementing robust testing procedures.
David Kofi Prince Pambo of Ghana, a member of the CAF Medical Committee, underscored the broader goals of the initiative. “Thanks to this workshop, doping control officers are empowered to pass the message to our various federations. I also expect the CAF Executive Committee to make doping control mandatory in our leagues. Local federations must ensure anti-doping measures are in place. While procedures are satisfactory, officers will need logistical support to perform their duties effectively,” he said.
Finally, Cyrille Serges Dah of Ivory Coast expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the training. “We have improved our knowledge of doping control and have been updated on changes in anti-doping implementation, enabling us to carry out our work with maximum efficiency,” he explained.
The establishment of this CAF anti-doping unit, combined with rigorous training of DCOs, represents a major milestone for African football. With Egypt 2019 approaching, these measures are expected to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism across all levels of the tournament, setting a new standard for anti-doping practices on the continent.
