Under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA), if more than two team members violate anti-doping rules during the same competition or season, sanctions can be applied not only to the athletes but also to the entire club. Penalties may include point deductions, suspension from competitions, or significant damage to reputation.

Therefore, understanding the principles of collective responsibility is essential today not only for players but also for coaches, team doctors, and management, because it depends on their joint effort whether the team will stay within the bounds of sports fair play. 

Legal basis

Under Article 11.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA), if more than two athletes from the same team commit anti-doping rule violations during the same competition or season, the governing body of the competition may impose sanctions on the entire team, regardless of individual penalties for the athletes. These sanctions can include, among other measures, point deductions, disqualification from the event, or other team-specific penalties. Additionally, at the first indication of possible violations, the governing body is required to perform targeted testing on all team members. 

In accordance with Article 11.3, the governing body of a sporting event, such as FIFA, UEFA, or the Polish Football Association, may establish stricter consequences for team sports in the event regulations than those specified in Article 11.2

In Poland, compliance with regulations is ensured by the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA), operating under the supervision of the minister responsible for sport. POLADA conducts disciplinary proceedings, and its regulations, consistent with FIFA and UEFA regulations, define a catalogue of offenses, procedures, and possible sanctions.

In short, clubs cannot hide behind individual players’ mistakes; if violations involve several team members, sanctions may also apply to the entire club.

Doping scandal in Poland

One of the most telling examples of collective responsibility in Polish sports was a case from the 2019/2020 season involving a third-tier club. In 2019, a nurse revealed that players were being given drips of vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium) indoses exceeding permissible limits. Although the substances were not banned, the method of their administration violated anti-doping regulations.

As a result:

• six players were banned for four years,
• the coach received a four-year ban from managing the team,
• the club doctor was suspended for two years,
• and the club was punished by deducting points from the league table (ultimately three).

The nurse who exposed the practice faced personal consequences, losing her job and experiencing social exclusion. However, her actions became a symbol of bravery and a reminder that anti-doping rules apply regardless of the level of competition. Even in lower-level sports leagues, full adherence to the principles of ethics and fair play is necessary.

Why this matters to clubs

1. Risk management: 
Clubs must actively monitor medical activities and educate players about doping to avoid collective consequences.

2. Reputation and trust: 
The doping scandal is not only a sporting problem; it also undermines credibility with sponsors, fans, and business partners.

3. Compliance with regulations: 
The club’s responsibilities include implementing clear anti-doping procedures, meeting reporting obligations, and maintaining transparency in operations.

4. Strategic approach: 
It is worth introducing anti-doping clauses into the contracts of athletes, coaches, and staff, clearly defining responsibility and consequences for violations.

Summary

The 2019 case demonstrates that responsibility for anti-doping rule violations does not end with the players. Even in lower leagues, clubs, coaching staff, and medical personnel can face consequences for breaches of WADA rules. Collective responsibility is not only about sporting sanctions, but also about reputation and trust. Therefore, it is crucial that every club, regardless of competition level, implement effective procedures for monitoring, education, and compliance with anti-doping rules.

Suppose your club or players need assistance with WADA compliance, proceedings before POLADA, FIFA, UEFA, or the Polish Football Association (PZPN), or preparing anti-doping procedures and sports contracts. In that case, our sports law firm is ready to assist you. We offer strategic advice, representation in disciplinary proceedings, and comprehensive legal support in sports law and compliance with international regulations.

Sources:

1. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). (2023). FIFA Disciplinary Code. Zurich: FIFA.
2. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). (2021). World Anti-Doping Code. Montreal: WADA.
3. Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA). (2021). Code of the Polish Anti-Doping Agency [in Polish: Kodeks Polskiej Agencji Antydopingowej]. Warsaw: POLADA.
4. TVN24. (2020, February 6). Afera dopingowa w Pogoni Siedlce. Report “Czarno na białym” Retrieved from https://tvn24.pl/polska/afera-dopingowa-w-pogoni-siedlce-reportaz-czarno-na-bialym-ra999509-ls3024105
5. Trybuna. (2020, February 13). Kontrowersje. Pogoń Siedlce nie wybacza. Retrieved from https://trybuna.info/sport/kontrowersje-pogon-siedlce-nie-wybacza/