Montreal, November 4, 2024
Le Independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) met in person in Montreal, Canada, on October 15-16, 2024. The CRC also held a closed session on October 14 to prepare, review and discuss the documents received.
This was the last CRC meeting in 2024. Members discussed a range of important issues related to the compliance monitoring program au World Anti-Doping Code (Code) of the AMA.
It marked the final meeting of two of its founding members, Barbara Leishman (Vice-Chair and Independent Member) and Tom Dielen (representing the Sports Movement), who have completed their terms as members of the CRC. Ms Leishman and Mr Dielen have both served the CRC since its inception in 2015.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to work alongside Barbara and Tom over the past nine years,” said CRC Chair Henry Goudji. “They have brought their knowledge, expertise and dedication to a committee that has established itself as an important bridge between WADA leadership and its Executive Committee. We will miss them both greatly, but we look forward to welcoming new members in 2025.”
“I would like to personally thank Barbara and Tom for their service, guidance and professionalism in establishing the Independent Compliance Review Committee as an integral and credible part of our governance structure, particularly in relation to holding Code Signatories accountable for implementing the Code and international standards,” said WADA Director General Olivier Niggli. “We wish them every success in their future endeavours.”
During the meeting, the CRC discussed a number of topics, including:
- A new case of a signatory meeting the criteria for inclusion on the monitoring list, which will be presented to the WADA Executive Committee on 4 December;
- An update on:
- Signatories currently on the monitoring list, including the National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) of Namibia, Samoa, Pakistan, Panama, Senegal, Uganda and Uruguay;
- The Current non-compliant signatories, namely the ONAD of Cameroon, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), the International Basque Pelota Federation and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation;
- The signatories whose cases have been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), namely RUSADA (with regard to further consequences and conditions for reinstatement), as well as the NADOs of South Africa, Nigeria and Venezuela.
- An update of the 2024 annual compliance plan;
- An approval of the compliance audit plan for 2025, including the signatories to be audited in 2025; and
- A brainstorming session on evaluating the compliance monitoring program.
The CRC also approved updates to the compliance strategy, which was published on the AMA website.
The CRC is responsible for providing independent advice, guidance and recommendations to WADA management and governance bodies on matters relating to signatories’ compliance with the Code. Mr Gourdji will report to the next meeting of the Executive Committee on 4 December and the Foundation Board on 5 December.
