Football to adopt World anti-Doping code

FIFA have announced that it is to adopt the World Anti-Doping Code from May.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter met with Dick Pound the Head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Zurich on Wednesday and agreed to adopt their policy.

“Finalising FIFA and WADA’s commitment to each other can only serve to strengthen our common objectives in the fight against doping in sport,” said Blatter.

“I am immensely pleased that we have put ourselves on the right track, for both FIFA and WADA have every reason to make this agreement work.”

Blatter still wishes to judge offenders on a case-by-case basis rather than imposing a standard two-year ban however.

The arrangement follows the WADA’s demand for Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand to be handed a two year ban after missing a routine drugs test last September. The England defender was suspended for eight months by the FA although he is currently appealing against the verdict.