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[Saba Sports News] South African Sports, including the Proteas cricket team, are under WADA scrutiny for anti-doping code non-compliance. This has led to the ban on displaying the South African national flag at the World Cup. WADA’s Executive Committee found that South Africa’s Anti-Doping Organization (SA NADO) did not comply with the WADA 2021 Code.
Consequently, the South African flag won’t be displayed at any regional, continental, or global competitions.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a delicate situation with the IOC set to decide on cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics next week, while one of its full members, South Africa, is non-compliant with the WADA code. The ICC will also have to adhere to WADA’s sanctions during the World Cup.
WADA has identified South Africa and Bermuda as non-compliant National Anti-Doping Organizations and the Pan American Sports Organization as a non-compliant Major Event Organization.
The final decision by WADA is expected on October 14, with the possibility of appeals from South African sports that could delay the consequences. The sanctions involve not displaying South Africa’s flag at various championships and events until SAIDS (South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport) is reinstated.
South Africa has won one World Cup game against Sri Lanka and is scheduled to play against Australia on October 12.
The ICC is in communication with WADA and awaits the final decision on October 14. If SA NADO appeals, the ICC may avoid implementing WADA sanctions during the World Cup. An appeal by SA NADO is anticipated.