For many years, we have defended athletes, physicians, coaches and other personnel in anti-doping matters, and our Managing Partner serves as the Deputy Chair of the Anti-Doping Appeal Commission of the NADC.
That is why we prepared the article “Some Features of Adjudicating Disputes Regarding Violations of Anti-Doping Rules in Ukraine” specifically for the Bulletin of the Odesa Bar Association (No. 2/2025).
Authors:
📘 Ganna Gnizdovska – Attorney-at-law, PhD in Law, Managing Partner of Juris Ferrum Law Firm, Deputy Chair of the Anti-Doping Appeal Commission of the NADC.
📘 Yana Kovalova – Lawyer at Juris Ferrum Law Firm.
Key Points of the Article:
1️⃣ What Doping Really Means.
It is not only about “being caught with pills.” Doping also includes refusal to undergo testing, attempts to manipulate the process, cooperation with sanctioned coaches or doctors, and even obstructing an investigation.
2️⃣ The NADC as a Key Body.
The National Anti-Doping Center (NADC) conducts testing, maintains the registered testing pool, organizes disciplinary and appeal hearings, and operates in accordance with WADA standards.
3️⃣ The Procedure of Case Consideration.
The process consists of several stages: notification ➡️ provisional suspension ➡️ hearing before the Disciplinary Commission ➡️ decision. It resembles judicial proceedings but with sporting specifics.
4️⃣ The Disciplinary Commission.
Its role is to determine whether a violation occurred and what sanction to apply. Hearings are adversarial in nature, and the athlete and counsel have the right to defend themselves.
5️⃣ The Right to Appeal.
Decisions may be appealed to the NADC Appeal Commission and, if necessary, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. This provides a second opportunity for defense and a review of proportionality.
6️⃣ The Role of Counsel.
A lawyer not only represents the athlete but also protects against procedural breaches, safeguards the right to a fair hearing, and assists in presenting evidence and arguments.
7️⃣ International Harmonization.
Ukraine’s anti-doping system is already aligned with the WADA Code, ensuring effective cooperation with international bodies and uniform rules of the game.
8️⃣ Conclusion.
Anti-doping proceedings are a fusion of law, medicine, and sport. Without professional legal representation, an athlete risks being left alone against a rigid regulatory system.
Why This Matters:
First, this article is our contribution to the development of sports law in Ukraine.
Second, it shows that behind every “doping case” there is not only a laboratory test but also a fight for human rights.
Third, lawyers can and should play a decisive role in ensuring a fair balance between anti-doping enforcement and the protection of athletes’ rights.
👉 Read the full text in the Bulletin of the Odesa Bar Association (No. 2/2025).