Share

Doping 'widespread' in Oz

Sydney - Drug use is widespread in Australian sport with growing links to organised crime, according to a damning official probe on Thursday that points to "clear parallels" with the Lance Armstrong case.

The Australian Crime Commission inquiry identified common use of prohibited substances including peptides - a type of stimulant - hormones and illicit drugs, across multiple sporting codes.

The findings from the year-long investigation shatter Australia's reputation as a predominantly drugs-free sporting nation, although specific players, teams and codes were not revealed for legal reasons.

"It's a very black day for sport," World Anti-Doping Agency president John Fahey, an Australian, told Sky News.

"The enormity of what we're hearing, that surprises me."

The report indicated that sports scientists, coaches and support staff as well as doctors and pharmacists were involved in the provision of drugs, which were often supplied by organised criminal gangs.

In some cases, players were being administered with substances that have not yet been approved for human use.

"The findings are shocking and will disgust Australian sports fans," Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said of a nation where sport is hugely popular and the country's teams routinely punch above their weight on the global stage.

"Multiple athletes from a number of clubs in major Australian sporting codes are suspected of currently using or having previously used peptides, potentially constituting anti-doping rule violations.

"Officials from clubs have also been identified as administering, via injections and intravenous drips, a variety of substances.

"It's cheating but it's worse than that, it's cheating with the help of criminals," he added.

The report said there were "clear parallels between what has been discovered in Australia and the USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) investigation into Lance Armstrong", referring to the disgraced Tour de France cyclist.

This "underlines the transnational threat posed by doping to professional sport, both from a 'fair play' perspective and as a broader integrity issue".

"It is also clear from the findings of this project, the USADA investigation, and previous high-profile doping cases in Europe and the United States, that it is not only athletes who are involved in doping, but athletic support staff, organised criminal groups and complicit doctors."

The report said criminal networks were increasingly involved in the distribution of illegal substances, and the links may have led to match-fixing and fraudulent manipulation of betting markets.

Crime Commission boss John Lawler said the threat of match-fixing was "extraordinarily serious" with organised crime involved.

"Organised crime has many facets. It will go to where there is lucrative profits to be made, low risk, regulatory weakness, and they will exploit those vulnerabilities," he said.

While the probe did not name specific sports, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland and his Football Federation Australia counterpart David Gallop said their sports were not implicated in the report.

But rugby league boss Dave Smith revealed players and clubs were being investigated.

"Information has come forward for NRL (National Rugby League) specifically that affects more than one player and more than one club," Smith told reporters.

Sports Minister Kate Lundy said all sports had committed to work with the government, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and law enforcement agencies to restore confidence in sport.

"This week the government introduced legislation to strengthen ASADA's powers to enable the full and unhindered investigation of these issues," she said.

"If persons of interest refuse to cooperate with ASADA investigations they will be liable for civil penalties."

She added that all major professional sports would establish integrity units to deal with doping, betting and ethical issues.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE