Disgraced American must “make a full confession under oath” if he is ever to be allowed back into sport
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has released a short statement in relation to last night’s confession by disgraced former rider Lance Armstrong that he doped throughout his Tour de France domination, confirming that nothing short of a full confession will change his life ban from sports. Despite acknowledging that he had cheated in the years between 1999 and 2005, the 41-year-old Texan failed to elaborate on the role of others in his doping, or on the methods used to avoid detection.
In order to qualify for a reduced ban, an athlete must co-operate fully with authorities, in order to help the future fight against doping in sports.
“WADA was interested to listen to Lance Armstrong’s doping confession to a TV talk show host,” reads the short statement, “but wishes to state once again that it makes no difference to his status as a life-time banned athlete under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).
“If Mr. Armstrong truly wants to make amends for his past doping past, then he needs to make a full confession under oath to the relevant anti-doping authorities.
“He must make a sworn statement that reveals the full truth and contains information that will assist the fight against doping in sport.”
In Armstrong’s interview with Oprah Winfrey he declared that he would co-operate with anti-doping investigators, and that he would be “the first man in the door” of any truth and reconciliation commission. Until this happens however, Armstrong remains banned for life from any WADA accredited sport.