Montreal, December 8, 2023
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirms that the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), a major events organization (MMO), has been declared non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) with immediate effect. The OCA was declared non-compliant due to its failure to recognize, respect and give full effect to a October 2021 decision of the WADA Executive Committee.
Pursuant to the October 2021 decision declaring the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea non-compliant with the Code, the flag of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea may not be flown at large events, including the 2023 Asian Games which took place from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China. All organizers of major events, including the OCA, had been informed of this decision as well as their obligation to apply this consequence in the context of their respective events. However, it was clearly noted during the Asian Games that the OCA had not taken the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the conditions linked to the non-compliance of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and that the flag of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was hoisted several times during this demonstration. Despite repeated reminders from WADA before and during the Asian Games, the OCA refused to enforce the consequence in question.
On November 16, 2023, WADA sent the OCA a formal notification alleging non-compliance. In accordance with article 9.3.1 of International Standard for Code Compliance for Signatories (SICCS), the organization in question had a period of 21 days from the date of receipt of the formal notification, to contest WADA's allegation of non-compliance and/or the consequences and/ or the reintegration conditions proposed by the Agency.
The OCA did not dispute WADA's allegation of non-compliance, nor the proposed consequences or reinstatement conditions for the non-compliance, within 21 days. Therefore, the alleged non-compliance is considered admitted, the resulting conditions are considered accepted and the formal notification sent to the OCA on November 16, 2023 is now a final decision.
The specific consequences and conditions of reinstatement for this signatory can be consulted here (in English).
WADA will ensure compliance with the implementation of the consequences listed above.
