Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) responded to reports suggesting it overlooked positive test results for Spanish athletes, stating it is investigating the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency. A report published by Spanish newspaper (El Diario) indicated that a test result for Spanish runner Patrick Chenid Eki was positive in 2019, but the Spanish agency did not initiate an investigation, and WADA did not take any action despite the result being recorded in the athlete's profile in the agency's database.
However, WADA told Reuters that the case of Chenid Eki is still under investigation. Spanish news website Relivo reported that the Spanish agency found positive results and waited for the maximum allowed time of one year between opening an investigation into the case and notifying the concerned athlete while hiding other positive results by granting retroactive approvals through the therapeutic use exemptions system. The therapeutic use exemptions system is followed for athletes needing medications containing prohibited substances for medical and health-related reasons.
The Spanish agency did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. WADA stated in a release, "WADA firmly rejects any implication that it would overlook any legitimate doping cases." WADA confirmed that for several months, as part of its compliance monitoring program, it has been aware of ongoing issues concerning the Spanish agency, including multiple cases related to testing and results management. For this reason, WADA submitted a report to the Spanish agency outlining corrective actions that urgently need to be addressed, including issues related to a number of delayed cases. "This matter is still ongoing."
