The ITA is granted observer status of the Monitoring Group for the Council of Europe’s Anti-Doping Convention

The ITA had filed an application to be granted observer status earlier this year, and it was unanimously confirmed by the parties to the Anti-Doping Convention in July 2021. The Monitoring Group of the Convention surveys its application, examines any necessary modifications, holds consultations with any necessary stakeholders, recommends the appropriate measures to keep relevant organisations and the public informed about the activities undertaken within its framework and makes any proposal to improve its effectiveness. The Group also approves the list of pharmacological classes of doping agents and doping methods and the criteria for the accreditation of laboratories.

The observer status for the Monitoring Group is granted to non-European countries, but also to independent non-governmental bodies, such as the International Testing Agency. The ITA joins a group of other international organisations that also contribute to the implementation and further development of the Convention, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“The ITA is honoured to have been granted observer status to the Monitoring Group of the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention”, states the Chair of the ITA Foundation Board Dr Valérie Fourneyron. “It will allow us to cooperate even more closely with the States Parties to the Convention and the Council of Europe and further promote clean sport together. We are pleased to contribute to shaping the anti-doping landscape and support the further harmonisation of clean sport activities across many countries. ITA’s experience in the worldwide implementation of anti-doping programs in collaboration with many different stakeholders – International Federations, Major Events Organisers National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations – can provide valuable feedback to the Monitoring Group of the Convention. Effective anti-doping work requires the support of solid governance models, and we are pleased to be able to promote the Council of Europe’s work towards that objective.”

The Anti-Doping Convention was drafted in 1989 to safeguard the positive effects of sports on society and protect sportsmen and sportswomen from the dangers of doping. The ITA will participate, for the first time, in a meeting of the Monitoring Group of the Convention in December 2021.

Michael Petrou, Chair of the Monitoring Group stated: “The Monitoring Group is pleased that the ITA will be involved, as observer, in its activities. The Monitoring Group and ITA share the same values regarding the welfare of athletes and the integrity of sport and recognize the benefits that a collaborative approach to anti-doping can bring. The ITA plays a pivotal role in the fight against doping in Europe and worldwide, and we welcome its contribution to our work.”