The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2023 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List), which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) during its meeting on 23 September 2022 and enters into force on 1 January 2023.
The List is one of the eight International Standards that are mandatory for all Signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.
WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said: “As it does every year, WADA led an extensive consultation process concerning the Prohibited List, which involves qualified experts in the fields of science and medicine from around the world. This process allows WADA to review scientific research and identify the latest doping trends to ensure that any new or existing substance or method that may meet the criteria for addition to the List are considered, so as to protect athlete health and the integrity of clean sport worldwide.”
Major Modifications for 2023
All Major Modifications for 2023 are outlined in the 2023 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.
Major Modification concerning tramadol for 2024
It should be noted that, also on 23 September, the ExCo endorsed the recommendation by WADA’s List Expert Advisory Group to prohibit the narcotic tramadol in competition, effective 1 January 2024.
The delay in implementation is to provide an additional year for broad communication and education of athletes, their entourage and medical personnel so that there is a better understanding of the practical implementation of tramadol prohibition in competition.
It will also give time to the scientific community to adjust the exact procedural details so that fairness can be ensured for athletes. In addition, it gives sports authorities time to develop educational tools for athletes, and for medical and support personnel to address the safe use of tramadol for clinical purposes within anti-doping.
Tramadol has been on WADA’s Monitoring Program and data gathered through that program have indicated significant use in sports. Tramadol abuse, with its dose-dependent risks of physical dependence, opiate addiction and overdoses in the general population, is of concern and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries. Research studies funded by WADA, as referenced in the Explanatory Note have also confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance sports performance.
Mr. Niggli continued: “We encourage athletes, their entourage and all stakeholders to acquaint themselves with the Summary of Major Modifications to avoid inadvertent use of substances and methods that are prohibited in sport for 2023. In particular, we kindly ask all Anti-Doping Organizations around the world to share the List and its related documents with athletes, their entourage and other relevant stakeholders under their jurisdiction to highlight the important updates concerning the usage of tramadol effective 1 January 2024.”
DOWNLOAD THE 2023 PROHIBITED LIST HERE 👇🏾
Comments