By Milcah Tanimu

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced on Tuesday that it has referred Nigeria and Venezuela to the Court of Arbitration for Sport due to alleged non-compliance of their anti-doping agencies with WADA regulations.

Last week, WADA submitted two separate requests for arbitration with the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding these cases.

Both Nigeria and Venezuela had their national anti-doping agencies sanctioned in November for failing to address several critical requirements outlined by WADA for their anti-doping programs.

Consequently, they lost their privileges within the organization, including the ability to host major sporting events and a ban on their flags being displayed during significant competitions like the Olympic Games until they meet WADA’s conditions.

However, both countries have contested the allegations against their agencies and the proposed penalties.

The sanctions against Nigeria and Venezuela are currently on hold pending rulings from the Court of Arbitration.