SA FILES COURT APPEAL TO AVOID FLAG BAN

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued South Africa with a non-compliance declaration after the country missed the 2021 deadline.

WADA updated their anti-doping regulations in 2021, but South Africa and Bermuda failed to update theirs. They are the only two countries that have failed to do so. In October 2022, WADA informed South Africa that they were non-compliant.

The non-compliance could mean that the Springboks and the Proteas, both currently participating in World Cups, won’t be allowed to fly the South African flag, play the national anthem, or play in their national jerseys or shirts.

Zizi Kodwa, South Africa’s sports minister confirmed that government filed a court appeal against WADA’s decision. The notice to challenge WADA’s non-compliance declaration, was filed by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids). WADA has 48 hours to respond.

In a press briefing in Parliament on Tuesday, Kodwa said he believes WADA will suspend the non-compliance declaration.

“I am confident that WADA will recognise these efforts as a commitment to pass the amended legislation and suspend the non-compliance declaration.”

The bill to amend the regulations has been approved and will soon be tabled in Parliament.

Image credit: The Citizen