BARCELONA, Spain — The Spanish government’s sports authority, the High Council for Sport, has publicly called for the resignation of the head of the anti-doping agency following accusations of misconduct.
A ministerial investigation was conducted following the complaint against Secretary José Luis Terreros. The Sports Council announced on Friday that the charges include financial irregularities as well as irregularities in doping control and sanctions, without giving details.
The council called on Mr. Terreros to resign “in view of the events and reputational damage to Spanish sport and our system.” [doping] control may be faced,” the statement said.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) released its own statement on Friday strongly criticizing Spain.
WADA said it was “aware of ongoing issues” with Spanish authorities, “including several issues related to testing and results management.” This included concerns about the implementation of Spain’s 2021 anti-doping law, which was supported by WADA.
According to the Sports Council, if Terreros does not resign, Education and Sports Minister Pilar Alegría and City Council President José Rodríguez Uribes will move to remove him.
Prime Minister Alegria’s ministry shared the results of an internal investigation with the Spanish state prosecutor’s office on Tuesday. According to the council, the investigation began after an anonymous person made accusations of “alleged irregularities in the use of public funds and in the control and sanctioning of doping by the Spanish National Anti-Doping Agency (CELAD).” It is said that it was done. ”
The council said it is up to state prosecutors to determine whether there is reason to believe that illegal activity occurred. The council said anti-doping organizations will also undergo a review of their protocols and practices.
“Spain’s commitment is that all athletes compete under equal conditions and that the purity of sport is prioritized, and its goal is to comply with global anti-doping regulations,” said Council President Rodríguez Uribes. This will be achieved by ensuring the strictest compliance.”
WADA President Witold Banka said: “We are well aware of the deep-seated anti-doping problems in Spain.” “We are disappointed in the level of cooperation received from CELAD as we seek to improve the system for Spanish athletes. Despite regular follow-up by WADA, positive cases are not being processed in a timely manner. The fact that exists is unacceptable.”
Banca added that if the issue is not resolved soon, “it is clear that there will be a serious impact on Spanish sport.”