The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended the accreditation of South Africa’s Bloemfontein Anti-Doping Laboratory, the only accredited laboratory in Africa, citing “multiple non-conformities” with international standards.

The suspension, effective from March 1, stems from the laboratory’s failure to meet international standards as outlined in the International Standard for Laboratories.

Accordingly, the Bloemfontein laboratory is prohibited from conducting any anti-doping activities, including the analysis of urine and blood samples, except for analyses related to the haematology module of the Athlete Biological Passport.

The laboratory had been under restrictions since September of the previous year, but experts recommended its suspension due to ongoing non-compliance issues.

The laboratory has accepted the suspension and can apply for reinstatement once it has addressed all identified non-conformities.

During the suspension period, testing must be conducted at another accredited laboratory. Samples awaiting analysis, undergoing confirmation procedures, or associated with Adverse Analytical Findings must be sent to another WADA-accredited laboratory for analysis.

WADA emphasized the importance of maintaining the high quality of sample analysis to uphold athletes’ confidence in the anti-doping system.

This sanction coincides with WADA’s efforts to promote clean sport during the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where its Athlete Engagement and Major Event Legacy (MEAL) teams will be present from March 8 to 23, 2024.