FAI has signed an anti-doping service agreement with the International Testing Agency (ITA), a non-for-profit foundation which provides independent expert anti-doping services.

Within this agreement, the FAI will retain under its scope the global management of its anti-doping plan and the management of TUEs (Therapeutic Use Exemptions), while the ITA will be responsible for the in-competition testing at FAI air sports events and the out-of-competition procedures.

The ITA will create and amend test distributions plans, provide administration of athlete whereabouts protocol and follow up on any matters related to the compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

The ITA was established in July 2018 and the FAI is one of a rapidly growing number of representative sporting bodies to collaborate with the anti-doping foundation, with the aim of ensuring accurate, transparent management of anti-doping procedures within sport.

Following the agreement, FAI Secretary General Susanne Schödel commented: “The FAI’s partnership with the ITA reinforces our commitment to anti-doping within air sports. With the support of the ITA, the FAI’s ‘Fly Clean’ programme will continue to be upheld and will preserve the spirit of our sport. We are looking forward to participating in this growing community.”

ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen said: “The ITA is extremely pleased to sign this partnership with FAI as they continue to grow air sports while promoting their long tradition in the areas of innovation, technological improvements and sustainability. The FAI is witnessing every day the achievements of extraordinary individuals who are constantly surpassing themselves to reach new heights in the many various air sports. The FAI and ITA now join forces to ensure that these achievements take place in a healthy, clean and respectful environment. The ITA very much looks forward to “Fly Clean” together with the FAI and its athletes for the many years to come”.

Photo caption: Susanne Schödel and Benjamin Cohen