The possibility of sanctions following the nation’s failure to update its anti-doping legislation has prompted the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (Saids) to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) could impose punishments on South Africa including a ban on the country’s national flag at major sporting events. The country would also be prevented from hosting, or bidding to host, international competitions, among several other punitive measures.
South Africa, along with Bermuda, has been given until 13 October by Wada to comply.
The Springboks and the Proteas are currently participating at the men’s rugby union and cricket World Cups in France and India respectively. The hope is that the appeal to CAS would provide breathing space for the South African government to prevent its internationally renowned sports teams from suffering major embarrassment on the international stage.
The bid by the South African Football Association (Safa) to host the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup is also potentially in danger if the Wada sanctions come into effect.
Safa has to submit its bid to Fifa on 8 December, along with Brazil and the joint bids of the USA and Mexico and Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Litha Mpondwana, spokesperson for Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa, said that the South African government is continuing deliberations with Wada over the issue.
“Efforts to expedite the promulgation of the new bill that would make us compliant are also ongoing. There will be an announcement early next week on our next course of action. Everything is on the table including the option of appealing,” said Kodwa. bbc sport
