WADA Updates Prohibited List for 2025: Essential Changes Athletes Must Know

Starting January 1, 2025, WADA updates its Prohibited List, introducing key changes to help athletes avoid banned substances and maintain sports integrity.

Effective January 1, 2025, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will implement an updated List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

This essential list serves to inform athletes about which substances and techniques they must steer clear of during both their training and competitive events.

Additional Resources from WADA

Alongside the updated Prohibited List, WADA has also provided:

  • A comprehensive Summary of Significant Changes for 2025, detailing how it differs from the 2024 version.
  • A new Monitoring Program for 2025, designed to keep an eye on certain substances that aren’t officially banned, helping to detect potential misuse trends in sports.

Significant Updates in 2025

The Prohibited List is a crucial part of the International Standards that all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code, including the FAI, are required to adhere to.

It clearly outlines what substances and methods are deemed illegal across various sports and disciplines.

  • More examples have been added under various substance categories to support athletes and their support teams in recognizing banned substances.

    This includes categories such as S0 for non-approved substances, S4 targeting hormone and metabolic modulators, S5 which includes diuretics and masking agents, and S6 referring to stimulants.

  • Adjustments have been made to the dosing intervals for formoterol, though the maximum daily dosage remains unchanged.
  • The previous prohibition on blood donation and the collection of blood components through apheresis has been lifted, as long as these procedures occur at accredited collection centers.
  • The stimulant hydrafinil is now classified as a non-specified stimulant, providing clarity on its status.
  • Guanfacine has been clarified, confirming it is not regarded as a prohibited substance.
  • In an important shift, beta-blockers are now permitted in skiing and snowboarding events.

FAI’s Ongoing Commitment

Since signing onto the World Anti-Doping Code in 2011, the FAI has consistently upheld the standards set by WADA.

This commitment involves ensuring that all athletes understand the substances and methods that are off-limits during both competitive play and training sessions.

By doing so, the integrity of sports can be preserved.

In essence, as WADA rolls out these important updates, it remains crucial for athletes and their teams to stay informed and compliant, fostering a fair and equitable environment in competitive sports.

Source: Fai.org