The World Anti-Doping Agency will add the painkiller tramadol to the list of banned substances for athletes in competition from 2024 and has maintained its ban on cannabis after a review.
The decisions were taken by WADA’s executive committee after a meeting in Sydney on Friday and followed recommendations from the body’s advisory group on the list of banned substances.
“Tramadol abuse, with its dose-dependent risks of physical dependence, opiate addiction and overdoses in the general population, is of concern and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries,” WADA said in a news release.
“Research studies funded by WADA have also confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance physical performance.”
Former England soccer goalkeeper Chris Kirkland said in July he had been driven to the point of suicide by his addiction to, and abuse of, tramadol after using the opioid to treat back injuries.
WADA said the delay in introducing the ban until 2024 was to allow the communication of the implications of it to athletes, their entourages and medical staff.
