WADA announces outcomes of first Compliance Review Committee meeting of 2024

On 8-9 February, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) met virtually for its first meeting of 2024. 

The members discussed a range of important issues related to the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) Compliance Monitoring Program. The CRC also welcomed Dr. Renae Domaschenz of Australia to her first CRC meeting as the athlete member.  

The CRC Chair, Henry Gourdji, led discussions on the following matters: 

• New cases of Signatory non-compliance with the Code and International Standards, involving rules, Code Compliance Questionnaire (CCQ) and audit cases, which will be presented to WADA’s Executive Committee on 11 March (if the non-conformities discussed are still not resolved); 

• An update on:

  • Signatories (at the time of meeting) on the “watchlist”, including the National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) of Angola, Cambodia, Philippines and Tunisia. 

  • Current non-compliant Signatories, namely the Russian NADO and the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding; 

  • Signatories whose cases have been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), namely the NADOs of Nigeria, Russia (in relation to additional consequences and conditions of reinstatement), South Africa and Venezuela. 

• An update on the operations of Ukraine’s NADO and the testing of Ukraine athletes. The Ukraine NADO has an outstanding compliance case that was suspended due to force majeure in relation to the ongoing Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine; and 

• An update on the 2023 compliance annual report.  

The CRC also held an in-camera session on 5 February to prepare, review and discuss documentation received. 

The CRC is responsible for providing independent advice, guidance and recommendations to WADA Management and governing bodies on matters relating to Signatories' compliance with the Code.  

Mr. Gourdji will report to the next Executive Committee meeting on 11 March.