Alkass Digital
1. World Aquatics Pleased to receive the report from the independent anti-doping audit review committee chair. World Aquatics have reviewed the report and is pleased with the diligent work conducted by the independent committee members.
2. There are a lot of interesting points in the report. A few of these, however, are quite important and worth highlighting.
3. First: the committee confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the approach FINA World Aquatics took in 2021. There was no appearance of a cover-up or any other bad action by FINA. The file was handled in full compliance with the rules.
4. Second: the committee highlighted the positive changes World Aquatics has made in its anti-doping program since 2021, notably by delegating almost its entire anti-doping program to the ITA.
5. Third: the committee also highlights that despite the great work conducted, there are some places to improve. Here, the committee noted that IFs like World Aquatics are implementing the World Anti Doping Code in that they are reliant on the timing of decisions made by NADOs. IFs have limited to no right to intervene in cases if they are taking too long and as a result, they are left waiting - sometimes months - before they have any rights to act in a case. The committee suggests that World Aquatics propose changes to the World Anti-Doping Code in this respect.
6. Fourth: the committee also suggests that World Aquatics instruct the ITA to use outside or third-party collection companies instead of NADOs when collecting tests for international athletes.
7. Fifth: another important comment in the report, the committee highlights the need for further education for athletes , coaches and administrators.
The report illustrates that while World Aquatics has greatly improved its anti-doping program, World Aquatics can still do better.
The World Aquatics Bureau unanimously approved the Independent Report.
World Aquatics Bureau invite USADA, WADA, and ITA to meet with World Aquatics after Paris to discuss this issue and come up with solid sports recommendations for the future together.