From January 1, 2014, the new anti-doping code will be in effect, following its adoption at the 4th World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) conference in Johannesburg. French Sports Minister Valérie Fourneyron praised the progress made by the new global anti-doping code and emphasized the importance of balancing effective controls with the protection of athletes’ privacy.
Fourneyron highlighted the need to respect athletes’ private lives, stating that even athletes involved in doping deserve privacy. She stressed the importance of finding a balance, noting that ethical conduct should be present in anti-doping efforts. According to Fourneyron, the new code is a crucial tool to combat cheating while safeguarding clean athletes.
The new code introduces significant changes to sanction scales, including the increase of suspension from two to four years for a first violation, unless unintentional. Fourneyron expressed satisfaction with the new code’s provisions, allowing for various forms of evidence, including testimonies, confessions, and biological profiles. She also noted that individuals around athletes could face sanctions if necessary.
Commenting on the four-year suspension, Fourneyron acknowledged its difficulty for athletes to resume their careers after such a lengthy ban. She emphasized the proportionality of sanctions, especially for unspecified substances like cannabis, distinguishing them from intentional use of performance-enhancing substances like EPO.
