ICSS Statement on WADA Independent Commission
Following the results of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Independent Commission report into widespread doping allegations in athletics being published, the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) has released the following statement:
“The results of today’s report from the WADA Independent Commission has once again underlined the alarming trend of high-profile corruption cases within sport and has cast another long shadow over the sport of athletics.
“Due to the ongoing law enforcement investigation, the ICSS will not provide direct and detailed comment on current allegations and findings related to individuals and countries. However, more broadly, the money laundering, extortion, bribery and corruption allegations that have affected the IAAF have not only further damaged the integrity and credibility of athletics but have underlined the serious and significant governance and integrity challenges now facing sport.
“Whilst the forthcoming independent integrity unit is an excellent first step in the fight against doping in athletics, we hope that the governance and operational structure of this new committee is completely independent and that the appointed individuals possess a proven track record in anti-doping and anti-corruption, from both inside and outside of sport.
“In addition to the various scandals that have affected FIFA and football over recent months, which have centred largely on organisational corruption, the findings announced by the WADA Independent Commission today and the recent corruption allegations affecting athletics, are yet another example of why the ICSS believes that stronger external, independent regulation of sport is urgently required.
“Over recent months, the ICSS, as well as other international organisations, have been calling for a collective international effort, involving governments, external governance and integrity experts as well as law enforcement agencies; to create an independent and neutral global body that oversees sport governance and integrity.
“Alongside organisations, such as UNESCO, UNODC, OECD and the Council of Europe; the ICSS is committed to supporting the establishment of such a body and encourages sport governing bodies to play an active role in this consultation process to ensure a collective, multi-sector approach to safeguarding sport.
