Amusan: Nigerians accuse WADA of double standard following revelations of doping cover up in Spain

Nigerian athletics watchers have accused the World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA and World Athletics of double standard in doping control following revelations of
doping cover ups in Spain.

The Spanish Anti-Doping Agency has been accused of deliberately avoiding sanctioning Spanish athletes who have tested positive over a five year period.

There were reports last week that the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency had employed several methods of ruling positive tests void, due to irregular testing
protocols.

‘Two Spanish athletes were named as having avoided an investigation following positive tests for banned substances, as a result of Spanish Anti-Doping
Agency’s aversion tactics,’ report revealed.

WADA have admitted they are aware of the allegations and note that there are ‘a number of outstanding corrective actions’ that must be undertaken to bring
the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency back in line with the World Anti-Doping Protocol as a matter of urgency.

WADA say ‘they are monitoring the situation, and note that a compliance procedure will be initiated if these actions are not completed, and that they will
not accept any delays to their doing so.’

Many Nigerians are wondering why WADA seemed to have turned a blind eye to the allegations but are quick to join World Athletics via the Athletics Integrity
Unit, to appeal the disciplinary tribunal’s acquittal of Tobi Amusan for Whereabouts Failures charge.

Both World Athletics and WADA have filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports challenging the first instance decision of the Disciplinary
Tribunal that the Nigerian had not committed an anti-doping rule violation.

‘This is racism at play. WADA is just saying now that it is aware of the allegations and are monitoring the situation. What situation? Something that has
been going on for five years?,’ said Okorie John, a sports commentator who is insisting WADA and World Athletics should stop victimizing Amusan who has been
cleared of any wrongdoings.

Oluyemi Olaosebikan is also not convinced about WADA’s statement.’Amusan has been the main target and subject of victimization since she ran the 12.12 World
record in the 100m hurdles on her way to winning the World title at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA,’ said Olaosebikan.

‘The other day, WADA accused Nigeria of not complying with World Anti-Doping Protocol but did not know, for five years, that the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency
has been in breach of the same protocols,’ added Olaosebikan.

Sportsnow.com.ng recalls how Michael Johnson, the 1996 Olympics 200 and 400m champion unsuccessfully tried to rubbish Amusan’s world record feat in Oregon.