The World Anti-Doping Agency said that an investigation into allegations of widespread doping and corruption in athletics "will be completed before the end of the year 'at the latest.'" WADA "has created a three-man panel to investigate claims aired in a German television documentary last month" (BBC, 1/19). ... The tribunal hearing into the Australian Football League side Essendon supplements program "resumes on Tuesday, with suggestions the case so far is a line-ball call."
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority "spent almost six days outlining evidence against the Bombers and the man who engineered the injecting program, Stephen Dank." The defense case "arguing why it cannot be proved the players were administered the banned drug, thymosin beta-4, will now proceed."
Those with knowledge of the case said that "the possibility of a result that is heavily in favour of one party is slim, leaving all parties nervous" (THE AGE, 1/19). ... Racing New South Wales CEO Peter V'landys "believes the cobalt furore has only strengthened the case for veterinarians to be licensed by the racing regulator." V'landys said, "Everyone else that is responsible for part of the preparation of a horse is licensed, including trainers and stablehands. We think there is a need for vets to be licensed and are continuing to work towards getting the right outcome" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 1/18).
