NOC allays fears of Olympic ban

Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Tunde Popoola has said there is ‘no cause for alarm’ ahead of the July 12 final judgment by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on allegations by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that the country is non-compliant with the anti-doping code, The PUNCH reports.

Fifteen days before the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the fate of Nigerian athletes competing in the name of the country is hanging in the balance, as an unfavourable judgement will see Nigeria and the athletes lose some privileges at the Games and subsequent editions.

Popoola however allayed the fears, noting that the NOC has been able to put things in order.

“We have gone past the area of failing. We have done virtually everything necessary and it’s just get to court when they are ready. So, there is no cause for alarm and we are going to function just the way it should be,” Popoola told The PUNCH.

“One thing is that the anti-doping committee is supposed to be independent and once we have done that and other necessary things, things will be alright.”

Ahead of Friday’s judgement, top officials of the Ministry of Sports Development and other agencies of the government as well as three international lawyers, hired to defend the case are said to be in Lausanne, Switzerland for the hearing.

The allegations of non-compliance and the consequences are expected to take effect on Nigeria immediately after CAS makes its ruling on July 12.

If Nigeria is found guilty, the punishments recommended by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee state that the country’s flag will not be flown at the Paris Olympic Games and other competitions.

This means that Nigerian athletes will not compete under the country’s name and code and if they win any medal, there will be no room for Nigeria’s anthem or flag to be hoisted.

The country will also be ineligible to host any major sporting events until reinstatement conditions are met.

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