Unilateral Actions Risk Global Anti-Doping Efforts, Warns Austrian Agency

Michael Cepic, CEO of Austria's anti-doping agency, warns that individual countries' unilateral actions can undermine the global anti-doping system. His comments come in response to the U.S. investigating 23 Chinese swimmers despite prior investigations clearing them. This could lead to mistrust among athletes and jeopardize international cooperation.

Unilateral action by individual countries could turn the global fight against doping into turmoil, according to Michael Cepic, CEO of Austria's anti-doping agency. In a press conference on Sunday, Cepic criticized countries launching their own investigations, as seen in a recent U.S. case involving 23 Chinese swimmers.

Cepic argued that such actions undermine the global anti-doping system and erode athletes' trust. "I don't think broadening your investigative scope to other countries will help," he said. "It's not a step forward; it's a step backward." He warned that multiple countries with their own laws would create a chaotic situation.

The controversy arose when the U.S. launched an investigation into the Chinese swimmers, who had tested positive for a banned substance. Though cleared by China and WADA, the U.S. invoked the Rodchenkov Act to start a separate probe, leading to a wave of criticism and concerns of U.S. isolation from global sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)