April 18 – Team doctors for all 24 teams set to compete at the Euro 2024 have signed UEFA’s anti-doping charter, committing to a “clean and safe tournament for all participants”.
The programme reportedly incorporates in-competition testing, taking place immediately after every match, and out-of-competition testing at team facilities such as training grounds and hotels.
The anti-doping plan kicks in pre-tournament with all 24 teams undergoing testing in the buildup to the event this summer. UEFA says that close cooperation with national anti-doping bodies and FIFA has helped to ensure a comprehensive testing strategy, which includes out-of-competition tests that can occur anytime using the UEFA Whereabouts app, and the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) which monitors players’ biological markers before and after each test.
The document was signed on Tuesday at the finalists’ workshop in Düsseldorf, which brought together representatives from competing national associations to discuss topics such as refereeing, disciplinary measures, technical analysis, sustainability, and match organisation.
By signing the document, the doctors pledged to not use any banned substances or methods without valid justification, to comply with all other anti-doping regulations, and take part in UEFA’s robust testing programme.
They also agreed to take all necessary steps to educate players and staff on anti-doping, and to use their position of influence to impact player behaviour and anti-doping attitudes within the team.
The final piece of the puzzle for UEFA was to help educate players and coaches on anti-doping by supplying a programme which will provide all 24 teams with topical and informative advice in the run-up to the tournament, which kicks off in Munich on the June 14.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732353739labto1732353739ofdlr1732353739owedi1732353739sni@g1732353739niwe.1732353739yrrah1732353739