League Notes: Experts Question Whether Fight Against Doping Worth Up To $400M A Year

The fight against doping costs $300M-$400M a year and sporting medical experts at a conference hosted by FIFA on Friday "questioned whether it was value for money." FIFA Chief Medical Officer Jiri Dvorak said that "prevention measures should be tailored according to the perceived risk in each sport, rather than be the same across the board" (REUTERS, 11/29). ... Qatar unveiled its first women’s cycling team that will be featured in an int'l event next year. A batch of 22 girls -- with the youngest just 13 and the oldest 21 -- "are currently training under the watchful guidance of new coach Pia Sundstedt from Finland" (THE PENINSULA, 12/1). ... The Australian Rugby League Commission will receive a report on Dec. 11 "detailing an investigation into drug protocols" at the National Rugby League's 16 clubs and "may table recommendations on sanctions against clubs, coaches and medical and training staff" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 12/1).