Association Of German Sponsors S20 Calls For Anti-Doping Law, Wants To Provide Input

Germany's top sponsors "are calling for an anti-doping law," according to SPOX. The association of German top sponsors, S20, said, "As sponsors we are interested in investing money into a clean, manipulation-free platform." S20 includes companies such as Deutsche Telekom, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, adidas, Mercedes, Bayer AG and Postbank. S20 Chair Stephan Althoff said, "A legal regulation makes sense and is overdue." German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich announced a meeting regarding doping in sports for the end of September at which S20 "wants to provide input in terms of content for a legal regulation." In addition to Friedrich, other politicians such as SPD chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrück and Bavarian Governor Horst Seehofer "also called for an anti-doping law." However, ahead of his election as new IOC President, Thomas Bach said, "Sports should suspend cheating athletes; the state the criminal people in the back: doctors, trainers, advisors or team managers" (SPOX, 9/9).