GENEVA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The World Anti-Doping Agency on Thursday invited stakeholders to comment on proposed amendments to two international standards that would clarify the role of host nations' National Anti-Doping Organizations in sample collection at major international events.
"To address any potential or perceived conflict of interest or bias with regard to how NADOs may deal with athletes from their same country when directly involved in the delivery of the doping control program at a major international event, it is recommended that event owners, including major event organizers and international federations, ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined for the different parties involved in the doping control program," WADA said in a statement.
The proposed amendments to the International Standard for Testing and Annex A of the 2027 International Standard for Code Compliance would take effect on January 1, 2027.
WADA recommended that a host nation's NADO not be involved in developing or monitoring test distribution plans or selecting athletes for testing during the event period.
If a host NADO participates in sample collection, WADA said its sample collection personnel should not collect samples from athletes representing the host nation.
WADA said the proposed changes are not intended to exclude host NADOs from major international events in their own country or region.
"NADOs are likely to retain a significant anti-doping role, particularly with respect to intelligence and investigation, coordination with law enforcement, logistical support, pre-event doping control station checks, onsite education, local knowledge and existing relationships," it said.
The recommendations apply only to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and world championships in Olympic sports, excluding junior, age-group and masters competitions.
Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback on the proposed amendments by August 5, 2026. ■
