Readies to submit paperwork to WADA to build lab
The Ethiopian Anti-Doping Authority (EADA) has announced that it is investigating seven athletes suspected of doping.
During a media briefing on June 21, the Authority identified the seven athletes as primary suspects in the investigation. Four of the athletes have been detained by the authorities, while the remaining three are being examined by the World Athletics Integrity Unit (WAIU).
The WAIU is responsible for conducting anti-doping investigations and control work, according to Mekonen Yedersal, EADA director general.
As part of its priority projects for the budget year, a risk assessment was conducted, analyzing a total of 657 athletes. The report reveals that athletics is the sport with the highest vulnerability.
Mekonen says the decision-making process regarding the athletes is ongoing, and the decisions will be made public. Over the past six months, there has been an increase in the number of athletes found to have violated anti-doping rules, according to the Director.
The Director General stated that the coaches, agents, health professionals, and institutions of the athletes are also under investigation. Three pharmacies have been banned for three months, and a health professional has been placed under legal custody awaiting trial.
The Authority is focused on increasing awareness and preventing doping. Technical paperwork for the construction of a laboratory to conduct sample tests within the country has also been prepared and will be submitted to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Over the fiscal year, several significant projects have been completed, including the establishment and testing of operating systems, institutional development, and human resource empowerment.
The Director emphasized that any athlete found using anti-doping agents will face criminal charges in addition to administrative sanctions.
