World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is looking into doping irregularities reported from Spain, following disclosures by El Diario. The case centers on an athlete who previously rose to prominence and later tested positive for nandrolone in 2019. The Spanish Anti-Doping Commission in Sports (CELAD) did not log this sanction in the official record. WADA has stated that delays in case processing will not be tolerated and is seeking clarity on how the matter was handled.
CSD Prosecutor’s Office Report
In response to these concerns, the Supreme Sports Council appointed a new president, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, replacing Víctor Francos, in December. The new leadership reportedly forwarded an internal Ministry of Education and Sports document to the prosecutor’s office, suggesting there are rational indications that a crime may have occurred in CELAD’s handling of a positive doping result. This indicates a potential failure to act with due diligence in the case. [Source: Diario AS]
There are also reports that CELAD director José Luis Terreros was asked to prepare a report on his actions, with the final findings to be presented to the governing council. One strategy noted in stories by Relevo describes extending the process to the maximum statutory period of one year from the moment the file is opened to when the athlete is notified, a pattern observed in similar cases involving Patrick Chinedu Ike. [Source: Relevo]
Controversy at Paris 2024 Olympics
The authorities reportedly requested immediate corrective measures from CELAD. If swift action is not taken, the anti-doping agency could pursue legal action against Spain for not meeting these guidelines. [Source: agency records]
Beyond Chinedu’s case, Alberto Yelmo, a former CELAD lawyer, indicated that two files tied to the biological passport were left unresolved after consultations. The same day, both investigations were suspended, suggesting a pattern of irregular scheduling in these matters. [Source: agency records]
It should be noted that Uribes served as Minister of Culture and Sports from 2020 to 2021 when many of the irregularities occurred. The discussion around doping in a year of Olympic importance adds gravity to the ongoing review and raises questions about oversight in the sport. [Background context]