Pretoria – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Wednesday put on hold allegations of non-compliance against South Africa.
This after, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) filed a notice to challenge WADAs non-compliance declaration against South Africa through the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS).
“WADA has confirmed that it has received the formal notification from SAIDS, which disputes the allegation of non-compliance and the proposed consequences,” said the SA Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“WADA has thus stated that the allegation of non-compliance against South Africa is put on hold and the consequences will not apply until a time CAS makes its ruling.”
WADA had given South Africa until this Friday to amend legislation to align with the World Anti-Doping Code which was amended in 2021.
South Africa was one of only two countries, along with Bermuda, which had failed to meet the deadline and risked sanctions that included a ban on displaying the national flag at regional, continental, and world championships and events.
WADA’s eleventh-hour stay of execution on Wednesday has been welcomed ahead of France versus South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
The reprieve also came a day ahead of the South Africa versus Australia Cricket World Cup match at Ekana Sports City in Lucknow set for Thursday morning.
Commenting on the reprieve, Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Goodenough Zizi Kodwa said: I am pleased that the World Anti-Doping Agency consequences have been put on hold.
“Our national sports teams can now focus on winning the World Cups and flying the countrys flag proudly.
