February 19 ------ The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set to adjudicate the disagreement between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the anti-doping entity in the Philippines. Following the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization's (PHINADO) rejection of WADA's assertions of non-compliance, WADA has escalated the matter to CAS for a resolution. WADA said PHINADO has disputed its earlier recommendation to put the organization under a ‘compliance watchlist' for failure to conform with the WADA code.
Since the issue has been elevated to CAS for resolution, WADA said it is withholding its action including prohibiting the Philippine flag from being flown in any regional, continental, or world championships including the Olympics and Paralympics. "On 13 February, WADA received formal notification from the NADO of the Philippines that it disputes the allegations of non-compliance against it. WADA will now refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for its consideration. As such, the consequences will not apply until CAS makes its ruling," said WADA in its news release.
The CAS is a body that settles disputes related to sports through arbitration. PHINADO, which is under the Philippine Sports Commission, allegedly violated procedural matters that were identified in a WADA Code of Compliance Questionnaire. The PSC was notified by WADA to comply last September but allegedly failed to resolve the matter until January 22, WADA’s imposed deadline.
In a statement last January 26, the PSC allayed fears of a possible sanction, saying it has been working with WADA and PHINADO officials to resolve the matter.
Source: spin.ph
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