FIFA ,UEFA demand change in drug testing rule

Copenhagen, Aug 28: FIFA and UEFA, the soccer organizations have demanded changes in the Anti-Doping Agency's out-of-competition drug testing rule.

The WADA rule formulated on Thursday, Jan 1 requires the athletes from all sports backgrounds to present before the drug testers a three-month details of their whereabouts for one hour each day of the year.

However, FIFA and UEFA pointed out 'fundamental differences' between an individual athlete training alone and one who spends six days a week training or playing with a team and is 'thus easy to locate.'

On Tuesday, Aug 25, the soccer authorities asked WADA to reconsider the rule 'in a spirit of collaboration in the fight against doping.'

Meanwhile, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said that soccer should not be compelled to abide the strictest of codes.

In world soccer every year around 25,000 players undergo dope tests and from 2004-08 around 10 players have been tested positive.

However, WADA president John Fahey said that it is not possible to change the rule so fast.

He added that a break from the test would usher freedom among athletes to consume drugs.

In Belgium, 65 athletes started court proceedings against the new out-of-competition testing rule.

OneIndia News