WADA refers Phl case to CAS

‘Other nations have it worse. Angola is in a worse situation than us’

The World Anti-Doping Agency formally referred the Philippines to the Court of Arbitration for Sports over alleged non-compliance of its anti-doping agency with the WADA regulations.

In a statement posted on its website, the world-governing anti-doping body stressed that the Philippines formally disputed the allegations of non-compliance against it on 13 February.

With that, WADA is bringing the matter before the CAS and the consequences, including suspension from major international events, will not apply until the Swiss-based court makes its final ruling.

“On 13 February, WADA received formal notification from the NADA (national anti-doping organization) of the Philippines that it disputes the allegations of non-compliance against it,” the Montreal-based doping watchdog said.

“WADA will now refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sports for its consideration. As such, the consequences will not apply until the CAS makes its final ruling.”

Aside from the Philippines, the cases of Nigeria and Venezuela were also referred to the CAS while Angola is on the verge of getting suspended after opting not to dispute its non-compliance.

WADA said its 23 January findings on Angola is now deemed as final and the proposed penalty and sanction will be released in the coming days.

The Philippines was sanctioned for not addressing what WADA claims as non-compliance to several “critical requirements” to its anti-doping programs.

With that, the Filipinos are facing the risk of losing their rights within the organization and might no longer be permitted to host major sporting events. There is also a possibility that WADA will propose a ban on their flag being presented during major competitions, including the Olympic Games.

‘We will dispute, yes. But all corrective actions and points highlighted by WADA were either signed off already or almost done.’

But PSC executive director Paolo Tatad said everything remains under control.

“The Philippine flag will still fly until a CAS ruling is made,” said Tatad, speaking on behalf of PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann.

“Our athletes should carry on and focus on their training and their qualification to the Olympics.”

Tatad said all corrective actions were already taken and there should no longer be a problem when the CAS tackles the case.

“We will dispute, yes. But all corrective actions and points highlighted by WADA were either signed off already or almost done,” Tatad said, adding that the Filipinos are in a much better situation than the Angolans.

“Other nations have it worse. Angola is in a worse situation than us.”