Reding bids to ensure Union plays key role in new anti-doping body

Date: 27/04/2000

By John Shelley

SPORTS Commissioner Viviane Reding is pressing for a seat on the board of a new international anti-doping body to counter fears that Europe could be sidelined in the running of the fledging organisation.

Reding called for a formal role in the new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as she presented a report on its work to the full Commission this week. The move is motivated by a desire to ensure that the EU has a strong say in its activities and presents a united front on doping issues. Reding also wants to make sure that the organisation, which is currently based in Lausanne, Switzerland, remains on the European continent.

The current WADA, set up at the end of last year, is a pilot project, with a permanent agency due to be created in 2002. 'There is a fear from the Commission side that if the board stays as it is after 2002 then Europe could lose control of the agency,' said Reding's spokesman. 'To avoid this we have to find a strong common position in Europe on all important questions.'

The aim of the body is to implement a unified doping policy across all sports, ending the disparities which mean that while competitors are banned for life for doping offences in athletics, they are merely rapped over the knuckles in some other sports.

Reding underlined the Commission's support for the new agency earlier this month by announcing that the EU would provide up to 20% of its budget - €1.5 million - for this year.

Sports Commissioner Viviane reding is pressing for a seat on the board of a new international anti-doping body to counter fears that Europe could be sidelined in the running of the fledgling organisation.