24 Jan 2020 20:31

Athletes to be prohibited from drinking beer while taking doping tests starting from next year - RUSADA

MOSCOW. Jan 24 (Interfax) - The new Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which will take effect in January 2021, will prohibit beer and other low-alcohol beverages, Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) Deputy General Director Margarita Pakhnotskaya said on Friday.

"The consumption of alcohol, in particular, beer, will be prohibited at the doping control point. Firstly, it was done to protect athletes' health - it's better to drink water. Secondly, it's a socio-behavioral aspect, we closed this issue after two situations. Thirdly, it's hiding possible prohibited substances in doping test samples," Pakhnotskaya said at a seminar.

The new WADA Code will take effect on January 1, 2021.