IOC strengthens fight against doping with bold new initiatives

IOC Press Release - 24 August 2007

During a meeting held prior to the opening of the 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, the IOC Executive Board today discussed a series of new measures aimed at further strengthening the fight against doping in sport.
 
The measures, proposed by IOC President Jacques Rogge, cover the areas of prevention and sanctions.
 
Leading the meeting, Rogge said: "Recent doping-related events remind us that anti-doping measures do have an impact but also that the fight against doping in sport is a daily battle which must be fought in concert by the sports authorities, sports teams, athletes and coaches, and governments. The measures that we have reviewed today aim to reinforce the IOC's zero-tolerance policy that we already uphold through an unprecedented increase in testing – a 90 per cent increase from Sydney in 2000 to Beijing next year where 4,500 tests will be conducted – the collaboration with judicial authorities, and the creation of Disciplinary Commissions when needed to investigate incidents of doping which may have affected past Olympic Games".
 
Snapshot of the proposed measures:

  • Athletes could be banned from taking part in the Olympic Games in the event of violations of anti-doping rules during the Olympiad having led to sanctions of more than six months.
  • Automatic suspension after a positive A sample.
  • The IOC could reserve the right to reduce penalties on athletes and their entourage found guilty who wish to cooperate and provide valuable information on suppliers, networks and any person involved in the doping chain.
  • The IOC could impose strong financial penalties.
  • Strengthened rules on Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).
  • The IOC reiterates its call upon governments to sign the UNESCO Convention as soon as possible.
By IOC