The warning was delivered today at a workshop in Suva organised by Oceania Regional Anti Doping Organisation (ORADO), and in conjunction with Drugs Free Sport Fiji (DFSF) and the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Medical Commission.

No athlete from Fiji has so far tested positive for banned drugs. 

But officials were told that they must keep their guard up.

A workshop arranged in association with the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee Medical Commission updated National Federations on the new World Anti-Doping Code due to be introduced on January 1, 2015 ©FASANOC

"The onus falls heavily on coaches and managers to ensure that their athletes are made aware of what they can and cannot take in their bodies," Dr. Husnoor Ali, the head of DFSF.

"Negligence is no longer an excuse and team officials could also be charged for 'complicity', if there is sufficient evidence.

Each National Federation has been encouraged to organise regular meetings with officials from ORADO so they can educate and create a greater awareness with its athletes.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2014: Fiji to host National Anti-Doping Workshop ahead of new WADA Code