PRESS RELEASE

CLEAR RULES FOR CLEAN SPORT: ARISF AND ITA COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT READINESS OF ARISF MEMBERS WITH THE NEW 2027 WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE

The Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), in partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA) have strengthened its efforts to support ARISF Members in preparing for the entry into force of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code. Through a project fully financed by ARISF, the ITA will deliver structured regulatory compliance support and dedicated education guidance through 2026, ensuring that ARISF Members’ anti-doping rules fully align with the new requirements.

As part of this collaboration, ARISF is enabling its Member Federations to benefit from the ITA’s expertise in reviewing, updating and adopting their anti-doping rules in order to comply with the updated requirements imposed by the 2027 Code, including sport-specific adaptations, governance requirements, and operational best practices.

As the world’s largest independent operational anti-doping organisation, supporting over 80 partner organisations across the global sporting landscape, the ITA brings unparalleled insight into regulatory frameworks across sports and jurisdictions. This breadth of operational responsibility provides a deep understanding of how revisions to the World Anti-Doping Code translate into practical, effective and harmonised rules in diverse sporting contexts.

The transition to the 2027 Code represents an important milestone for the global sporting community. Ensuring harmonised, robust and future-ready anti-doping rules is essential not only for compliance, but also for maintaining trust, legal certainty and fairness for athletes worldwide.

Through this initiative, with the support of ARISF, the ITA is guiding Member Federations through each stage of the transition process - from the development of tailored rule templates to individual consultations, structured review processes and confirmation of final adoption ahead of the Code’s entry into force in 2027. By providing early and coordinated support through 2026, the collaboration aims to ensure consistency across ARISF’s diverse membership while allowing for sport-specific considerations and governance structures.

This initiative builds on the existing collaborative framework between the ITA and a number of ARISF Federations. The ITA’s experience supporting federations during the transition to the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code - when more than 60 international federations were assisted in harmonising their rules - provides a proven framework for effective and timely implementation. This experience continues to inform the structured approach now deployed for the 2027 transition.

Benjamin Cohen, Director General of the ITA, said: “Clear, harmonised and enforceable anti-doping rules are the backbone of a credible global system. The adoption of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code introduces important evolutions that require careful and consistent implementation. We are very pleased to support ARISF and its Members at this important stage. Over the years, we have worked closely with many federations on translating Code requirements into clear, precise and workable rules, and we understand the level of detail and rigour this process demands. By sharing that experience and working hand in hand with ARISF, we want to help ensure that every sport has a solid and reliable regulatory framework in place — one that gives athletes clarity, protection and confidence in the system.”

Raffaele Chiulli, President  of ARISF, added: “ARISF is proud to fully support this important initiative for its Members. By investing in both regulatory compliance and education, we aim to ensure that all our International Federations are well-prepared for the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and can continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in sport.”

In parallel to the regulatory compliance support, and as part of this ARISF project, the ITA is delivering a dedicated education initiative for ARISF Members. On a complimentary basis, the ITA is developing a short, high-level practical Anti-Doping Education Guide designed to support ARISF Members’ National Federations in fulfilling their anti-doping education responsibilities in line with the incoming 2027 International Standard for Education. The guide provides clear and practical direction on navigating the anti-doping landscape, identifying roles and responsibilities, strengthening cooperation with National Anti-Doping Organisations, and leveraging existing educational resources. By reinforcing education frameworks alongside regulatory alignment, ARISF and the ITA are contributing to a stronger, prevention-focused and harmonised global anti-doping system.

About the ITA

The International Testing Agency (ITA) is an international organisation constituted as a not-for-profit foundation, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Its mission is to manage anti-doping programs, independent from sporting or political powers, for International Federations (IFs), Major Event Organisers (MEOs) and all other anti-doping organisations requesting support.