FIFA given until September to comply to WADA code

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has given soccer's governing body FIFA until September to adopt the organisation's drugs code or risk serious consequences, including a possible ban from the Olympic Games.

"If these changes are not adopted by September, WADA will be forced to report to all stakeholders, including the International Olympic Committee and governments, that FIFA is officially non-compliant," WADA chief Dick Pound said following an executive committee meeting in Montreal.

"The consequences of non-compliance could be far-reaching."

Central to the issue is the fact that WADA calls for a mandatory two-year ban for athletes found guilty of doping offences.

FIFA has continued to impose lesser bans and advocates "individual case management".

WADA accepts FIFA's position that doping cases should be judged on an individual basis, but the sides differ on the length of sanctions.

Of immediate concern, failure to come to agreement could impact next year's World Cup in Germany.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, governments signing up - including Germany - must ensure that any world championships held on their soil comply with the code.

The WADA executive committee agreed to allow FIFA until its September congress in Morocco to make the changes required to bring it into compliance.

"It's unacceptable that FIFA does not comply with the Code," said Brian Mikkelsen, WADA vice chair and Denmark sports minister.

"If FIFA does not comply by September, it's the view of all the governments within the Foundation Board that there will be consequences.

"One consequence might be that governments will not accept FIFA tournaments on their territories."

WADA cannot sanction organisations such as FIFA, but can recommend measures to governments and national soccer associations.