More robust system to detect doping in sport urgently needed

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 22nd Feb 2007

Commenting on publication today (Thursday 22nd) of a report into Human Enhancement Technologies in Sport by the Commons Science & Technology Select committee, Dr Evan Harris, Liberal Democrat member of the committee, said:

"We concluded that detection of doping and the sanctions for cheating athletes need to be toughened up and urgent action is needed to put in place a more robust system before the London Olympics in 2012."

"The clearest step that the Government could take would be to create a testing and prosecuting agency independent of those charged with promoting the sport to avoid conflicts of interests that might otherwise arise for UK sport currently."

ENDS

Note to editors:

The committee recommendations included:

•That there should be a minimum four-year ban on all incidences where doping has been proven.

•That athletes found guilty of doping should have to disclose sources of doping before being allowed to compete again.

•That UK athletes should have to compete internationally in the 12 months before the Olympic games before they are eligible to take part in order to make it easier to detect doping.

Related Link:

Science & Technology Select Committee Report - Human Enhancement Technologies in Sport.