South Africa Appeals WADA Decision Threatening World Cup Flag Ban
South Africa has taken action by lodging an appeal on Tuesday against a decision made by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had raised concerns about the country’s rugby team being prohibited from displaying their flag during this weekend’s World Cup quarter-final match against France.
Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa confirmed the appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, expressing hopes that it would “avert” the consequences of WADA’s decision and prevent a major embarrassment for the defending World Cup champions.
WADA later verified that South Africa would be allowed to continue flying their flag until CAS formally deliberates on the case, effectively defusing the controversy temporarily. The Montreal-based agency clarified that they had received formal notification of the appeal, stating, “the allegation of non-compliance is put on hold and the consequences will not apply until such time as CAS makes its ruling.”
South Africa had been given a deadline until Friday to align its anti-doping legislation with the new WADA regulations, which they were almost certain to miss. This would have resulted in a ban on the Springboks from displaying their flag and performing the national anthem during Sunday’s match against the host nation in Paris. Additionally, it would have affected the South African cricket team competing at the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India.
Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed confidence in the strength of the grounds for appeal, believing that the sanctions imposed were inappropriate. He noted that the flag-related sanction had caused unnecessary turmoil and unfairly punished athletes and players. The appeal was filed by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids), the independent body overseeing anti-doping measures in South Africa.
The new WADA code came into effect in 2021, and South Africa, along with Bermuda, are the only countries yet to update their regulations in accordance with WADA’s requirements, according to the Montreal-based anti-doping organization.
The situation has drawn criticism from SA Rugby boss Mark Alexander, who expressed frustration over the government’s failure to promulgate new legislation in a timely manner. He labeled it a disgrace and an embarrassment for the country, emphasizing that ample notice had been given.
Kodwa disclosed that he had presented the necessary regulatory changes to the cabinet and requested expedited parliamentary processing of the bill. He expressed confidence that WADA would recognize these efforts as a commitment to pass the amended legislation and suspend the non-compliance declaration.
South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, expressed relief that the Springboks would likely be able to display their flag during the upcoming match, stating, “We’re glad that it’s in a way sorted out.”
