MONTREAL, Feb 14, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said
Tuesday it has referred Nigeria and Venezuela to the Court of Arbitration for
Sport over alleged non-compliance of their anti-doping agencies with WADA
rules.

WADA said it filed last week "two separate requests for arbitration with the
Court of Arbitration for Sport" for the two cases.

The two national agencies were sanctioned in November for not addressing what
the Montreal-based doping watchdog said were several "critical requirements"
to their anti-doping programs.

That resulted in them losing their rights within the organization, no longer
being permitted host major sporting events and a ban on their flags being
presented during major competitions, including the Olympic Games, as long as
they did not meet WADA's conditions.

Both national agencies have disputed the claims against them, as well as the
proposed penalties.

The sanctions against them are effectively suspended until the Court of
Arbitration makes its rulings.