From Inside the Games
A British Parliamentary report into doping in sport has heavily criticised International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe after he warned that reports of widespread drug use was a “declaration of war” on his sport.
In a 52-page report published today, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee criticise the conduct of both British Cycling and Team Sky and the way in which they have responded into investigations surrounding the incident.
The report also concludes that Britain’s greatest-ever cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins obtained doctors permission to take drugs for a performance-enhancing benefit before winning the 2012 Tour de France.
A lack of IAAF “transparency” is highlighted and Coe is particularly criticised for a “very ill-judged” reaction to media reports in 2015 shortly before he was elected President of the world governing body highlighting doping in athletics.
It also recommends extending suspensions for first-time doping offenders from four to five years, so “cheating athletes could miss two Olympics or two Paralympics”.
The introduction of legislation to “criminalise the supply of drugs to sports people with intent to enhance performance” is also recommended
It also wants “greater powers and resources” given to drug-testing bodies such as UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) to conduct investigations and enforce the rules.
It is proposed that sports, particularly “wealthier” ones, consider contributing “a fixed percentage of their income – from sponsorship or overall” to UKAD so as to do this.
The report is undertaken by the DCMS Culture, Media and Sport Committee chaired by Member of Parliament Damian Collins and is based on over two years of hearings.
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