WADA publishes approved 2021 World Anti-Doping Code

To optimise for archiving, the original image and related documents associated with this article have been removed.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published its 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards, which were approved by the Executive Committee at the end of WADA’s fifth world conference on doping in sport. With the Code and Standards both due to come into action on 1st January 2021.

The first WADA Code was in 2003 and since then there have been updated editions released every six years with frequent amendments also taking place on a regular basis, with the 2015 edition currently being the one in force, although there have been amendments in the years following this.

The 2021 Code underwent a review process in which stake holders were provided with the opportunity to provide feedback and make recommendations on how to strengthen the world anti-doping programme in order to win the ongoing battle against doping in sport.  WADA thanked their stakeholders and all others who contributed with their input and believe that an extensive and transparent process was undertaken before the Code was officially approved by the Board and the Executive Committee.

WADA published a Development and Implementation Guide for Stakeholders which summarises the differences between the 2015 Code and the 2021 Code, and also does the same with the new International Standards. 

You can read the 2021 Code here.

And click here to read WADA’s statement.

You may also like

View All

Pinned Article

Sport Resolutions Annual Conference 2026: Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale

Early Bird tickets for the Sport Resolutions 11th Annual Conference are now available. Join leading sport and legal professionals in London on 7 May 2026 for a full day of discussion, insight, and networking

Read More

UEFA expresses concerns surrounding the Premier League’s new financial rules under Squad Cost Ratio system

UEFA has expressed concerns surrounding the Premier League’s new financial rules. Teams in the Premier League have voted for a new system called Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) starting from next season, allowing teams to spend 85% of their income on player costs, though clubs could go as high as 115% before points penalties are applied 

Read More

Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah handed lifetime bans by MLS for betting on their games during 2024-25 season

Major League Soccer has handed Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah lifetime bans for “extensive” gambling when they both played for Columbus Crew during the 2024-25 season. The gambling involved them placing bets on their own team, which also included them winning a bet that Jones would receive a yellow card

Read More