Global doping ban doubled
Saturday, 17 Nov 2007 18:35
Marion Jones is among those disgraced by doping
Sportsmen and women will face a four-year ban for a first serious doping violation under a new code ratified today in Madrid.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) adopted a new version of its anti-doping code on the final day of its third conference, doubling the potential penalty for a first serious offence.
Under the terms of the code the four-year ban will only apply in "aggravating circumstances", including cases involving the use of multiple banned substances or involvement in a larger doping scheme.
"This is an ongoing process," outgoing Wada president Dick Pound said.
"It sends a message to the public that we remain firm in our resolve."
World sport has continued to be troubled by illegal drug-taking undergone with the specific goal of improving performance.
US athletics star Marion Jones, disputed Tour de France winner Floyd Landis and tennis star Martina Hingis have all recently hit the headlines amid allegations about the use of illegal substances.
Mr Pound told conference delegates that he believed Wada had to continue its fight against sporting "sociopaths" he believes are causing the problem.
"While we can be understandably proud, I think it's also fair to say that the fight against doping is a living exercise," he added.
"It will never cease. There will always be people out there who will break the rules.
"It will continue to require unwavering vigilance and the willingness to tackle those people who are the sociopaths of sport - they'll always be there."
Wada voted in Australian politician John Fahey, formerly the country's finance minister, as Mr Pound's replacement.