FIFA reach WADA compromise

Football’s world governing body FIFA today officially signed a declaration of intent over their future drugs policy with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

FIFA will retain “individual case management” in drugs cases – ie judging each case on its merits – rather than follow WADA’s blanket guideline of a two-year ban for drugs offences.

However, WADA will have the right of appeal in cases where they feel FIFA have been too lenient.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter signed the declaration flanked by WADA chairman Dick Pound and International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.

The signing effectively eliminates any danger of football being barred from the Olympic Games in Athens which had been under threat in recent weeks as the two parties continued negotiations.