2025/04/04 by Shafag Huseynli, Lambros Lazuras, Michael Petrou +2 · 1 voice
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · #Doping in Sports #Sports Analytics and Performance #Sports, Gender, and Society
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/09687637.2025.2487449
openalex publication_date 2025/04/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
Aims The present research had a twofold objective: a) to assess procedural due process practices in anti-doping proceedings based on official data presented by National Anti-Doping Organisations (Study 1), and b) to explore the perceived fairness and legitimacy of anti-doping proceedings in sanctioned athletes who had undergone anti-doping proceedings, and in athlete representatives, such as legal counsellors or individuals from organisations involved in promoting athlete’s voice and the protection of the athletes’ rights in anti-doping proceedings (Study 2).Methods A partially mixed sequential study design was used, with the quantitative (Study 1) preceding the qualitative (Study 2) data collection. Study 1 used a survey to assess due process in anti-doping proceedings by NADOs in 42 countries. By recruiting participants from 13 countries, Study 2 used interviews to explore the subjective perceptions of legitimacy and fairness in 6 sanctioned athletes and in 7 athlete representatives.Findings Study 1 showed that procedural due process in anti-doping proceedings is applied consistently across countries, in line with key policy documents. Differences in several aspects of procedural due process were observed between high and middle-income countries. Study 2 indicated differing perceptions and experiences of sanctioned athletes and athlete representatives with regards to the perceived legitimacy, fairness, transparency, and human rights protection anti-doping proceedings.Conclusions The need for wider implementation of the General Principles, as well as improving athletes’ legal awareness about anti-doping proceedings and provision of legal aid mechanisms was emphasised.