Spanish parliament passes tough anti-doping bill

MADRID, Nov 2 (Reuters) The Spanish parliament approved a bill today that will establish tough measures to tackle doping in sport.

The bill is scheduled to become law in the next six months and rather than targeting sports competitors is designed to hit the supply networks and individuals who administer drugs.

''This is a big step forward. The principle of zero tolerance is going to become a reality in this country,'' said sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky.

''Sportsmen support this law. They said it wasn't fair that only the competitors suffered. If it is possible to prove the people behind the sportsmen are encouraging and facilitating the use of drugs, they will go to jail.

''Doping itself will be a crime. This will make it easier to get convictions from a legal point of view.'' At present in Spain, people accused of being involved in doping can only be convicted if it is proved they have committed a crime against the public health.

The toughest punishments that will become available include prison sentences of between six months and two years, although penalties may be reduced if people collaborate.

Those convicted of encouraging the use of drugs could be suspended from their positions, while medical staff involved in administering the drugs could have their licences suspended and face steep fines.

Judicial processes will be streamlined and a new body, the Spanish Anti-doping Agency, will be charged with the prevention, control and investigation of doping within the country.

It will have the power to organise surprise blood tests away from sporting events, as well as planned ones, and it will be a criminal offence to refuse to take a test.

There is an ongoing anti-doping investigation in Spain that came to light following police raids in May, which turned up large quantities of anabolic steroids, frozen blood and equipment used for blood transfusions.

Cyclists implicated in the investigation have been told they will not face punishment by the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC), in line with a decree from the judge in charge of the case.

But the investigation continues to pursue team officials and employees implicated in the scandal.

REUTERS PDM HS2202