Calls for a tougher anti-doping body

SYDNEY - Agence France-Presse

Former Australian Olympian Matt White (R) added to controversy by admitting involvement in the deepening Lance Armstrong doping conspiracy. AFP photo

Australian Olympic chief John Coates yesterday renewed his calls for the nation’s anti-doping body to have to right to compel witnesses to give evidence as it probes doping in cycling.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) said on Oct. 15 it will launch an investigation after former Olympic cyclist Matt White admitted involvement in the Lance Armstrong doping conspiracy.

“I suggest that the government should again consider strengthening ASADA’s powers to investigate allegations of doping practices by including the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence and to produce documents relevant to such investigations,” he wrote in a letter to Sport Minister Kate Lundy.

Coates said he could not comment on a report released last week by the USADA on Armstrong “given my positions as President of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport and Court of Arbitration for Sport.” That report accused the renowned cyclist of being at the heart of the biggest doping conspiracy in sports history.