Synopsis
Yang Yang, WADA's vice president, emphasized the agency's commitment to transparency and openness regarding Jannik Sinner's doping case, affirming their willingness to accept public feedback amidst criticisms of the ruling.Key Takeaways
- WADA aims for transparency in its doping processes.
- The resolution of Sinner's case was seen as scientifically credible.
- A three-month ban was deemed appropriate considering the circumstances.
- WADA is addressing contamination issues actively.
- Yang promotes enhanced anti-doping education moving forward.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The resolution of Jannik Sinner's doping situation was open and transparent, despite the public outcry, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will maintain an open-minded approach and embrace public scrutiny, stated its vice president Yang Yang.
Men's tennis world No.1 Sinner tested positive for anabolic clostebol on two occasions in March last year. He attributed the substance's presence in his system to a treatment by his masseur, who used a product containing clostebol while treating a finger cut and providing full-body massages.
Upon reviewing the case, WADA found Sinner's explanation scientifically credible and well-supported by the evidence.
An Independent Tribunal initially determined that Sinner bore no fault or negligence and was free from a ban. However, WADA appealed this ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and subsequently reached a case resolution agreement with Sinner, who accepted a three-month ban last week.
In an interview with Xinhua, Yang acknowledged that many were dissatisfied with the three-month ban for two doping violations, which some criticized as overly lenient.
"The anti-doping process is highly professional and technical, which can be challenging for many to comprehend," remarked the former Olympic short track speed skating champion.
According to WADA, the initial decision that found the athlete without fault or negligence was incorrect under the World Anti-Doping Code.
"According to the Code and based on CAS precedent, an athlete is responsible for the negligence of their entourage," stated WADA.
"The appropriate period of ineligibility for a case involving a non-specified substance, such as clostebol, where the athlete has no significant fault or negligence, ranges from one to two years," WADA explained.
However, considering the seriousness of the violation in light of its specific facts, WADA deemed a 12-month sanction would be excessively severe and invoked the case resolution agreement provision in the World Anti-Doping Code, introduced in 2021.
"One of its primary roles is to ensure that unique cases not fitting neatly within the sanction framework can be adjudicated fairly, provided all parties and WADA are in agreement," WADA stated in response to Xinhua.
This provision allows for a further reduction of the ban based on the severity of the specific violation and the athlete's admission of the violation and acceptance of appropriate consequences.
"Under the current Code revision, it is proposed that the minimum sanction for contamination cases is a reprimand, so the three-month sanction is well within what is recommended for adoption at the world conference. Thus, WADA considered the three-month ban appropriate in Sinner's case," Yang noted. "We are pleased to have managed this matter in an open and transparent manner."
While contamination remains a common issue, potentially leading to more cases, WADA is actively working to address possible loopholes.
"As testing methods advance, we anticipate an increase in contamination cases. WADA is diligently working to differentiate between contamination victims and actual cheaters," said Yang.
"WADA will further enhance its anti-doping education to ensure more individuals are informed and will strive to maintain an open, transparent, and fair review process.
"WADA will continue to be open-minded and receptive to public scrutiny and valuable advice," she concluded.
