World Anti-Doping Agency sanctions Tunisia for failing to abide by rules

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced sanctions against Tunisia for failing to implement the required recommendations and the World Anti-Doping Code.

As a result of non-compliance with WADA regulations, sanctions have been enforced against the country starting April 30. Thus, Tunisia’s flag will not be flown at regional, continental or world championships, as well as in other major sports including the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, says the international anti-doping body in a press release.

Prior to the sanctions, Tunisia was placed on a “Watchlist” and was given a period of four months to bring its legal framework in line with WADA Code, but the country’s sports authorities failed to honor their commitment.

After it declared Tunisia as “non-compliant”, the World Anti-Doping Agency announced its final decision enforceable with immediate effect. Thus, Tunisia will be banned from hosting regional or international sports as long as it fails to implement the World Anti-Doping Code which harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world.

The Code aims to foster consistency among anti-doping organizations. It lists the prohibited substances and methods. The Code also sets international guidelines for testing & investigations, laboratories’ operations, therapeutic use exemptions, the protection of privacy and personal information and results management.