WADA calls for immediate release of Tunisian National Anti-Doping Organization’s Director General

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has expressed its deep concern following the arrest of the Director General of the National Anti-Doping Organization of Tunisia (ANAD) and dismissal from his role for simply trying to abide by the consequences of ANAD’s non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). 

On 30 April, the non-compliance of ANAD was confirmed as the result of its failure to fully implement the 2021 version of the Code within its legal system. Under the terms of the non-compliance, as is always the case, a series of consequences and reinstatement conditions were imposed, including that the nation’s flag could not be flown at certain covered events while ANAD remained non-compliant.   

WADA supports the efforts of ANAD and International Federations to uphold the decision by the WADA Executive Committee to assert non-compliance in this case. Reports that the ANAD Director General has been arrested for doing so is a matter of grave concern. WADA calls for his immediate and unconditional release from custody, as well as the dropping of any charges made against him pertaining to this. 

 Since the non-conformity in Tunisia was established, WADA has been working closely with the authorities to ensure the matter could be dealt with as quickly as possible. Indeed, excellent progress has been made in that regard, making this latest development all the more unfortunate and untimely. WADA remains confident that the matter will be resolved in the very near future.