Spain declared non-compliant by WADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has declared Spain non-compliant with the international anti-doping code which came into force on 1st January, 2015. The main consequence of the disciplinary action is that from now on, the 800 Spanish Olympians and Paraolympians who are selected to compete in the Rio Olympic Games will be tested on at least three occasions prior the games, with this testing set to be the responsibility of the international federations.

WADA recognised the rather special circumstances prevailing in Spain, which is currently without a government, meaning that there is no means to pass a law to bring the Spanish legislation in line with international legislation.

Just three out of 1,000 footballers in Spain are being tested by anti-doping

The main differences between the two include the following: the fact that it’s impossible to mete out four-year bans for serious doping offences, that reviewing tests that have been carried out is set at eight years, and not at ten like in the rest of the countries, and that there are no regulations on prohibited association – working with a banned doctor or coach -, which also merits a ban.

Mexico has also found itself on the receiving end of a ban for having failed to implement the international anti-doping code.

Source: Marca