The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (Saids) plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against sanctions for failing to update its anti-doping laws. South Africa’s national flag could be banned from key sporting events by Wada. Among other penalties, the country would be barred from hosting or bidding in international tournaments.
South Africa hopes to avoid World Cup flag humiliation before anti-doping law deadline
Wada has given South Africa and Bermuda until October 13 to comply, however this is difficult due to the lengthy process of implementing the law. The Springboks and Proteas are competing at the men’s rugby union and cricket World Cups in France and India.
The appeal to CAS is intended to give the South African government time to avoid worldwide embarrassment for its world-class sports teams. The Wada fines might also jeopardize Safa’s 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup bid.
Fifa must receive Safa’s candidacy on December 8, along with Brazil, the US-Mexico joint bid, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa’s spokesperson, Litha Mpondwana, told BBC Sport Africa that the South African government is still discussing the issue with Wada.
“Efforts to expedite the promulgation of the new bill that would make us compliant are also ongoing,” stated.
“Our next move will be announced early next week. Everything is possible, including appealing.” Saids, the country’s Wada code signatory, was notified of the violation on 23 September and given 21 days to comply. The 1997 law, amended in 2006, does not conform with Wada’s January 2021 guideline.
Saids CEO Khalid Galant denied missing the Wada deadline. Mr. Galant said the South African cabinet adopted the modified bill last week at their bimonthly meeting. Mr. Galant said the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) and national federations supported appealing the Wada sanctions to CAS.
