The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has taken note of recent media reports related to allegations regarding the Spanish National Anti-Doping Agency (CELAD). WADA strongly rejects any implication that it will turn a blind eye to any valid litigation. The agency confirmed that all cases have been repeatedly followed up through the results management process and some are still pending.
Indeed, in addition to pursuing CELAD for apparently delayed and pending cases, WADA also removed three Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) cases from CELAD in 2023, and has also taken relevant international He took the extremely unusual step of handing it over to the sports federation. In two other similar cases against her ABP, WADA imposed strict deadlines for making decisions on her CELAD.
WADA can also confirm that it has been aware of ongoing issues related to CELAD for several months, including several issues with testing and results management, as part of its Compliance Monitoring Program. In this regard, WADA has submitted a corrective action report to CELAD, including a number of delayed cases, which need to be urgently addressed. This issue is ongoing.
WADA has further questions regarding CELAD and Spain’s anti-doping regime, particularly regarding how Spain’s 2021 Anti-Doping Law is being implemented. Although WADA supported the passage of this bill, it has since become clear that the interpretation and actual implementation of this law does not comply with the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). WADA reserves the right at all times to request amendments to the law if it is applied incorrectly or in a manner inconsistent with the Code. Additionally, clear non-compliance with the Royal Decree, which was issued in October 2023 without prior consultation with WADA, was identified. This could lead to further compliance issues for CELAD in the coming weeks.
WADA President Witold Banka said: “WADA has been investigating this issue for some time. We are well aware of the deep-rooted problems in anti-doping in Spain. is disappointed. The fact that there are positive cases that were not dealt with in a timely manner, despite regular follow-up by WADA, is unacceptable.
“WADA always ensures that CELAD and all Anti-Doping Organizations adhere to the highest standards in line with the World Anti-Doping Code, including through litigation where necessary. due process and acting in the best interests of clean sport. All of these matters are being thoroughly investigated by WADA. It is clear that it will have a significant impact.”
As this matter is still under comprehensive investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time.