French Anti-Doping Agency Will 'Substantially Reduce' Testing Due To Financial Troubles

The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD), which presented an “annual deficit of around” €650,000 ($696,600), announced that due to financial concerns, it will “substantially reduce the number of tests it carries out” in ’17, according to L’ÉQUIPE. In a statement, the AFLD said that the reduction, of up to 20%, was because of its financial situation causing “particular concern.” A €700,000 ($750,200) (+9%) raise in government support was expected for the agency, but “contrary to what was publicly announced, the minister of sports notified the AFLD that the increase would be offset because of a ‘credit freeze’” (L’ÉQUIPE, 11/14). Of the €8.5M ($9.1M) provided for in the draft of the budget bill for ’17, only €7.8M ($8.4M) will actually be paid. AFLD President Bruno Genevois: “The State and the world of sports are faced with a choice, as Paris is bidding to host the 2024 Olympic Games. A reduction of the number of tests would seriously harm the credibility of anti-doping in France” (AFLD).