FIFA launches anti-doping programme

Avatar

FIFA has launched an Executive Programme in Anti-Doping, which aims to provide analysis on the regulatory, institutional and scientific aspects to anti-doping in sport.

The programme was launched on Tuesday and the first edition of the Executive Programme in Anti-Doping will take place from February to July 2021. The programme has been launched in cooperation with the International Centre for Sports Studies.

Lawyers, doctors or sports administrators from international or national federations are eligible to participate in FIFA’s programme.

FIFA said that programme would benefit participants as it provides in-depth analysis of institutional and regulatory framework of anti-doping as well as an introduction to the scientific aspects to anti-doping.

The academic directors for the programme are Dr. Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA’s Chief Legal Officer and Prof. Antonio Rigozzi, who is a Partner at Geneva based law firm Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler and a Professor at the University of Neuchatel Law School.

“Since the establishment of the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) back in 1999, the fight against doping in sport has evolved dramatically. The interaction between the WADA Code, Sports Governing Bodies regulations and national legislation has led a considerable complexity in this field,” FIFA said in a statement on its website.

“Handling a doping case either at the result management stage or before the judicial bodies of a national or international federation or the Court of Arbitration for Sport requires a holistic approach.

“While the FIFA Executive Programme in Anti-doping is mainly focused on the legal and institutional aspects of the anti-doping landscape, a basic approach over the most relevant scientific aspects of this complex phenomenon is also provided.”

The programme is made of three modules which focus on different aspects of anti-doping. Modules 1 and 2 will be held online while the third module takes place at the FIFA HQ in Zurich, Switzerland.

Module 1 takes place between 4-7 February 2021 – this module covers areas such as the history of anti-doping, the prohibited list of substances and testing strategies and anti-doping control.

Module 2 will occur between 22-25 April 2021 and focuses on topics such as the role of laboratories and first instance hearings.

The third module at FIFA HQ will run between 1-4 July 2021, subject to international travel restrictions easing. This module explores topics such as sanctions, appeal proceedings and the future challenges of anti-doping

Tuition fees for this course have been set as $1,200 USD. The admission process is currently open and closes on 19 December. 24 participants will be selected to participate in the programme.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Premier League clubs record huge losses despite record revenue

Avatar
Image Credits: Arsenal FC

A report from Deloitte says Premier League clubs are facing a growing financial challenge after combined pre-tax losses reached $1.8 billion (948 million pounds) in the 2024-25 season.

The figure marks a huge rise from the $258 million (135 million pounds) recorded the previous season. It comes despite clubs generating record revenue of $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds).

Revenue keeps rising

Premier League clubs increased their revenue by 8% during the season. Commercial income and matchday revenue both climbed. Broadcast income also increased. But higher revenue has not translated into stronger profits.

Wage costs rose by $730 million (381 million pounds). Player transfers also played a major role in the rise in losses. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit. That was down from 13 clubs the season before.

Spending drives losses

Transfer spending remains one of the biggest pressures on Premier League finances. Clubs continue to invest heavily to compete for trophies and European places. But those costs can quickly outweigh the extra revenue generated by success.

Net debt also increased. It reached $6.9 billion (3.6 billion pounds) in 2024-25. That was up from the previous season.

The financial pressure is not limited to the Premier League. Only three Championship clubs in the second tier reported a profit.

A warning for English football

The Premier League remains the financial powerhouse of English football. Its clubs generated $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds) in revenue. The Championship generated $1.8 billion (942 million pounds).

But Deloitte warned that football cannot rely on simply adding more matches to create future growth.

European competitions have expanded. The international calendar has also become more crowded. Yet there are concerns that the market could become saturated.

Clubs face tougher choices

The figures highlight a difficult balance for Premier League clubs. They need to spend to remain competitive. But rising wages, transfer fees and debt are putting greater pressure on their finances.

New regulations will also change how clubs manage their spending from 2026 onwards. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable growth and stronger commercial income.

The Premier League remains the richest domestic league in Europe. But these figures show that wealth does not guarantee profit.

For clubs across England’s top flight, financial discipline is becoming just as important as success on the pitch.

NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Australia

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend