Meaty problem has not gone away for FIFA dope testers

Doping control

By David Owen

May 9 – Contaminated meat is continuing to pose a challenge for FIFA dope testers. Data published recently by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on anti-doping rule violations in 2014 – World Cup year – disclosed that of just over 2,000 samples taken by FIFA, 18 produced adverse analytical findings, identifying the presence in the sample of a prohibited substance.

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Mayne-Nicholls has FIFA ban reduced to 3 years on appeal

Harold Mayne Nicholls

By Andrew Warshaw

April 25 – Harold Mayne-Nicholls (pictured), who led the FIFA inspection team that evaluated the credentials of all 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding candidates, has had his ban from all football-related activities reduced on appeal from seven to three years – another blow to the supposed independent judgement of FIFA’s ethics chiefs.

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