Boks, Proteas to be stripped of national flag, anthem?

The Springboks are under threat of playing a potential World Cup quarter-final under neutral colours after government failed to comply with anti-doping regulations.

According to a report by Daily Maverick, government missed the deadline to update the anti-doping act so that it complies with the latest World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code.

The Proteas, playing at the Cricket World Cup in India, face the same threat as the Springboks in France.

The revised code, which was agreed upon and accepted by over 700 sporting federations around the world, came into effect in January 2021.

However, a statement released by Wada in September confirmed that the South African government had still not updated its anti-doping code and will now face consequences.

National flag and anthem

A new deadline has been set on 13 October. If government has not updated the code by then, South Africa’s national teams will face consequences of non-compliance.

The consequences include not being allowed to participate under the national flag and not being permitted to sing the national anthem.

According to Daily Maverick, government was warned by independent body South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids), which oversees anti-doping programmes in the country, a year ago.

“The South African Government process for promulgating legislation is thorough and comprehensive. Any legislation, including amendments, must meet the muster of the South African Constitution and cannot contradict or nullify any existing laws,” Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.

“I officially communicated with Wada President Witold Bańka on South Africa’s position, and have requested to meet with him urgently.

“South Africa is committed to anti-doping in sport. Saids has done much work to meet the evolving dynamics of compliance in global sport on matters of anti-doping, anti-corruption, governance reforms, child safeguarding and data protection.

“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will continue to expend all efforts get the Amendment Bill adopted expeditiously.”

This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission. For the original story click here.