Julius Okorie
Athletes who fall on the wrong side of doping laws from January 1st 2025, will face the full wrath of the law as excuses will not be entertained.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), gave the hint even as it published the 2025 list of prohibited drugs.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe most significant updates include new prohibited substances, changes to the dosing intervals for certain medications, and the removal of beta-blockers from skiing and snowboarding.
WADA insists it is committed to maintaining the integrity of sport and protecting the health of athletes and has updated the 2025 Prohibited List.
The new list was approved by the WADA Executive Committee (ExCo) at its meeting on 12th September will come into force on 1st January, 2025.
The Prohibited List is one of eight International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It specifies which substances and methods are prohibited both in and out of competition, and which substances are prohibited in specific sports.
WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli said: “We encourage athletes, their supporters and all other interested parties to familiarise themselves with the Summary of Major Changes in order to avoid inadvertent use of substances and methods prohibited in sport in 2025.
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“In particular, we urge all Anti-Doping Organisations around the world to share the List and related documents with athletes, their entourage, and other relevant stakeholders under their jurisdiction.”
Key changes for next year include a change in the dosing interval for formoterol, although the maximum daily dose remains the same.
“Today, we are publishing the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. Approved by our Executive Committee, the List will take effect on 1st January 2025.
“In addition, blood and blood component donations, including by apheresis, are no longer prohibited if they are made at an accredited collection centre.
“Hydrafinil is now classified as an unspecified stimulant and it has been clarified that guanfacine is not a prohibited substance. Beta-blockers are no longer prohibited in any ski or snowboarding discipline.
“To assist Athletes and their support personnel in identifying Prohibited Substances, additional examples have been added to the following classes of substances:
– S0. Prohibited substances,
– S4. Hormonal and Metabolic Modulators,
– S5. Diuretics and masking agents, and
– S6. Stimulants.”
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
