Attention Nigerian Athletes, Coaches: WADA publishes 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) says it has published the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List), which was approved by its Executive Committee during its meeting on 12 September 2024.

The list enters into force on 1 January 2025.

WADA says it has also published the 2025 Summary of major modifications and explanatory notes as compared to the 2024 List; and the 2025 monitoring program, which includes substances that are not on the List, but that WADA wishes to monitor in order to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport.

‘We encourage athletes, their entourage and all stakeholders to acquaint themselves with the Summary of Major Modifications to avoid inadvertent use of substances and methods that are prohibited in sport for 2025.

‘In particular, we kindly ask all Anti-Doping Organizations around the world to share the List and its related documents with athletes, their entourage, and other relevant stakeholders under their jurisdiction,’ says Olivier Niggli, WADA’s Director General.

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria:

It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance, it represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes, and it violates the spirit of sport.

WADA says it has released the List three months ahead of it taking effect so that athletes, their entourage, and other stakeholders can acquaint themselves with any modifications. Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body and prohibited methods found to have been used.

Members of an athlete’s entourage are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit.

‘Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organizations (International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization) for advice,’ said WADA.