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WADA to develop uniform anti-doping code before Winter Olympics in South Korea

File photo dated 23-02-2014 of The Olympic flag flies next to the Russian flag
Image: Russian officials have admitted the existence of a doping operation

Countries failing to meet a new uniform code of anti-doping practices will face sanctions in the same way athletes do, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced.

Every nation and sporting organisation within that country will soon have to adhere to the International Standard for Compliance and Code after WADA's Foundation Board agreed to fast-track revisions at a meeting in Quebec, Canada.

The changes are hoped to be implemented by early 2018 before the Winter Olympics in South Korea, as opposed to waiting until the next WADA code revisions go into effect in 2021.

Sir Craig Reedie, president of WADA, says he has never encountered such a report
Image: Sir Craig Reedie announced he would continue as president of WADA for a new three-year term in November last year

The urgent move has been sparked by doping scandals in Russia and the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to ignore WADA's recommendation that the entire Russian Olympic team be banned from Rio 2016.

Russia and Kenya are among the countries accused of having inadequate anti-doping practices by WADA.

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If the new changes are approved, the IOC and all WADA signatories would have to adhere to a new system of sanctions, subject to appeals.

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