Moynihan Turns Heat On WADA’s ‘Recipe For Failure’ As BOA Urges Anti-Doping Changes

The British Olympic Association has made a formal recommendation that it should be given the right, drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency, denture | to impose its Olympic life ban on dope cheats.

Chairman Lord Colin Moynihan has described current anti-doping strategies as “a recipe for failure.”

Currently the Court of Arbitration for Sport is considering whether the BOA’s ban – the most draconian in Olympic sport – is legal. WADA believes it represents double-jeopardy punishment for guilty athletes.

Last year WADA launched a review of the Code and invited representations from national Olympic committees and interested parties. The review is not due to be completed and presented for approval to the WADA board until November next year. Hence the BOA’s recommendations are aimed at long-term change and cannot affect terms of competition at London 2012.

In the BOA’s submission, Moynihan acknowledged that progress has been made in the fight against doping in sport but urged the implementation of more proactive strategies.

These would include intelligence-based testing, targeting the source of supply and members of athletes’  entourages who influence athletes and the implementation of biological profiles.

He also wants  WADA to take serious account of the views of athletes themselves and encourage national Olympic committees to employ selection eligibility in the disciplinary system.

A BOA statement said: ” Moynihan called for the incorporation by WADA of a rule similar to the IOC’s Osaka Rule; for the sanction for a first-time doping offense that is serious in nature to include a ban from competition of at least four years and one Olympic Games; and the right for all NOCs to adopt additional sanctions and eligibility rules if their athletes and NOCs support a tougher line against doping in their countries.”

Moynihan added: “There is no issue of greater importance in protecting the health and well-being of athletes, and the integrity of sport, than the fight against doping.  It is right that WADA is leading a worldwide consultation process but far more must be done.

“By urging NOCs to work toward a global two-year ban in recent years, WADA has followed the wrong course . . . Proceeding as if yesterday’s strategies will be sufficient in ensuring a level playing field for the athletes of today and tomorrow is a recipe for failure.”