The World Anti-Doping Agency will adopt a new code in the strengthening of global efforts to combat doping in sport.

The revision of the World Anti-Doping code, the core document adopted in 2003 as the framework for the global harmonized fight against doping, will be the chief topic of discussion in the third World Conference on Doping in Sport, officially opening in Madrid on Friday.

The draft revised Code will be presented to WADA's Foundation Board for approval on Sunday after a review process which began in April 2006 and included three stages of consultations with stakeholders and drafting.

"Doping is without doubt the greatest threat ethical sport has ever known and has become so pervasive that it places public health at grave risk," said WADA president Richard W. Pound, stepping down at the end of this year.

"It is incumbent upon the Sport Movement and Governments of the world to continue to bolster efforts to battle the scourge of doping, which is what they will do during this Third World Conference on Doping in Sport, by approving refinements to the World Anti-Doping Code."

The process of revising the Code is intended to fine-tune its provisions based on the experience gained to date and to strengthen global efforts against doping in sport, according to the Canadian lawyer.

"One of the main improvements in the code is having tougher sanctions in the case of aggravated doping," he said.

"We also want to make sure we don't end up having sanctions that are too strong in cases where we are dealing with accidental doping."

Pound highlighted other measures such as more rapid testing of "B" samples following an initial positive and the development of a non-invasive test to detect genetic manipulation as evidence of progress being made.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2007)