Consequences of Doping

Doping has consequences which may include the assertion of Anti-Doping Rules Violation with sanctions, health, financial and social consequences.

Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violation
Sanctions for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation may include, but are not limited to:

  • Ineligible to participate in any capacity in any sport-related activities for a period of time
  • Disqualification of results in a particular competition or event
  • Forfeiture of medals, points and prizes
  • Fines

Health Consequences
Use of any prohibited substances/prohibited methods may cause serious health problems and adverse side effects physically and mentally. Depends on the substance, dose and regularity of use, certain side-effects can even be life-threatening.

Please refer to the education pamphlet for more information on Health Risks and Side Effects of Performance Enhancing Drugs.


Financial Consequences
An infringement of anti-doping rules often leads to loss of sport-related financial support or other benefits and termination of sponsorship contract. If an Athlete has been found guilty of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation, apart from a fine and/or repayment of prize money, a ban from all sports (such as competing, training or coaching) also means that they cannot earn their living as usual.


Social Consequences
Doping may lead to reputational damage to the Athlete, loss of respect and creditability from family and friends, damage to the sport and to the Athlete’s future career prospects. According to the anti-doping rules, public disclosure is required for any Anti-Doping Rule Violation.