IFAF partners with the ITA for independent management of anti-doping

The multiyear agreement, which covers both tackle and flag football disciplines, will further strengthen IFAF’s anti-doping provisions and reaffirms the federation’s commitment to athlete welfare, the integrity of American football and promoting clean sport in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code. It comes as flag football prepares to make its debut appearance at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, and with the sport experiencing rapid growth around the world.

Under the agreement, the ITA will have responsibility for designing and implementing a full anti-doping framework for IFAF’s international-level athletes, ensuring testing is conducted independently, compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and to the highest international standards.

A comprehensive test distribution plan based on a bespoke risk assessment will see targeted in-competition and out-of-competition testing take place throughout the year and during international elite competitions, including the IFAF Continental and World Championships.

The ITA will also manage and administer the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) programs. The ABP enables the tracking of key biological markers over time to support the detection of potential doping, while the TUE program ensures that athletes with legitimate medical conditions can access necessary treatment in line with anti-doping regulations.

To ensure due process, as well as transparency, fairness and integrity in the resolution of any potential anti-doping rule violations, all results management will be conducted independently by the ITA. Additionally, the ITA will provide IFAF with expertise in intelligence and investigations.

Athlete education represents another core element of the partnership. The ITA will work with IFAF to deliver a targeted education strategy to foster a strong anti-doping culture among athletes. The education plan will include activities such as tailored webinars and outreach at IFAF competitions as well as providing expert support for athletes and their entourages.

An introductory online seminar for stakeholders throughout the worldwide American football family will take place on May 27.

This comprehensive partnership sends a strong message regarding IFAF’s long-term commitment to grow its presence as an exemplary International Federation within the Olympic movement.

“We are proud to support the International Federation of American Football in reinforcing its commitment to clean sport through this comprehensive partnership. As flag football prepares for its Olympic debut and global participation grows, it is vital to have an independent and trusted anti-doping framework in place. The ITA will provide IFAF with data- and science-led expertise, innovative and efficient solutions and a rich experience in the implementation of international-level clean sport programs that promote fair play and help protect the health and well-being of its athletes,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen.

Pierre Trochet, President of IFAF, said: “As American football continues its extraordinary growth all over the world, especially among young athletes, it is our responsibility to lead with integrity and demonstrate our commitment to clean sport. Partnering with the ITA ensures our anti-doping efforts are rooted in transparency, independence and the highest international standards. As we continue preparations for the Olympic debut of flag football at LA28, this collaboration reinforces our dedication to athlete protection, fair play and the long-term credibility of our sport on the world’s biggest stage.”

IFAF was established in Paris, France in 1998 and today represents 75 member federations spanning all continents. In 2023, the organisation achieved full International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition as the global governing body for American football.