South Africa have filed a court appeal against a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision that may have seen them sanctioned ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash with France. The Springboks were set to face sanctions for non-compliance with anti-doping regulations but the appeal may have ensured that they can fly their flag and sing their national anthem on Sunday.
WADA updated its code in 2021 but South Africa didn’t alter their regulations to align with the new legislation, which was raised to the relevant representatives of the nation. As a result, the team may not have been able to fly their flag on Sunday, or even wear kits that had the South Africa flag printed onto them.
Sports minister Zizi Kodwa has since revealed that an appeal has been lodged, consequently meaning that any sanctions would be put on pause for the foreseeable future – and sparing his nation of embarrassment at the weekend.
Kodwa announced: “I have also instructed SAIDS to file a notice to challenge WADA’s non-compliance declaration against South Africa through the Court of Arbitration in Sport, I believe the grounds for appeal are strong and that the sanctions are not appropriate. The sanction as it pertains to the flying of the national flag has created unnecessary hysteria and punished athletes and players unfairly who are competing for the pride of South Africa.”
The minister added: “The filing of the appeal will stave off the consequences of the non-compliance as it applies to the flying of the South African flag at regional, continental and world championships and events, organised by major event organisations,
“This means that the flying of the South African flag at events such as the cricket and rugby World Cups will not be affected until CAS rules on this challenge.”
