Reminder of the anti-doping rules on the occasion of the opening of the XXVe Winter Olympics.
The Monegasque Anti-Doping Committee provides below some useful information relating to the anti-doping rules and responsibilities applicable to athletes at the next Winter Olympic Games.
Publication of rules
The anti-doping rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be in effect during the Winter Olympic Games, which will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in Milan-Cortina. During this period, athletes may be required to undergo IOC doping controls. As always, athletes may be notified at any time and in any place worldwide, without prior notice.
Key points
Period of application of the rules
Anti-doping rules apply from the moment you are registered on your national delegation list and throughout the Games. Tests may be carried out:
- Pre-Games period : from October 31, 2025 to January 29, 2026
- Games Period : from January 30 to February 22, 2026
Anti-Doping Rule Violations
The 11 possible violations:
- Presence of a prohibited substance in a sample
- Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance/method
- Refusal or evasion of sample collection
- Failure to comply with localization obligations
- Falsification of control
- Possession of prohibited substances/methods
- Trafficking or attempted trafficking
- Administration to an athlete
- Complicité
- Association prohibited with suspended personnel
- Intimidation or retaliation against whistleblowers
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
If you need a medicine containing a prohibited substance for medical reasons:
- Existing AUT : If already registered in ADAMS, automatic recognition
- Unregistered AUT : Submit it at least 30 days before the Games
- New request : To be done as soon as possible via ADAMS
⚠️ Important : TUEs issued for the Games are only valid during the Games.
Controls and localization
Who can control you?
- The ITA (International Testing Agency) on behalf of the IOC
- Your National Anti-Doping Organization
- The AMA
Location during the Games
Your NOC must provide the ITA with:
- Your accommodation (room number in the Olympic Village or full address)
- Your training programs and sites
- Your arrival and departure dates
Procedure in case of a positive result
- Immediate notification to you, your NOC, your international federation
- Analysis of sample B on request (you can attend)
- Provisional suspension possible immediately
- Audience before the CAS Anti-Doping Division
- Consequences : cancellation of results, withdrawal of medals, suspension
Consequences for teams
Team sports : If several members are involved, possibility of disqualification of the entire team according to the rules of the international federation.
Key points to remember
✓ Strict liability : You are responsible for any substance found in your body, even without intention
✓ List of prohibitions : Check the updated AMA list regularly
✓ Contaminated products : Beware of uncertified food supplements
✓ Medical assistance : Olympic polyclinics can administer IV infusions >100ml/12h if medically justified
✓ Confidentiality : The procedures remain confidential until the final decision
Your rights
- Be heard before any sanction
- Request analysis of sample B
- Be accompanied by a representative
- Appeal decisions
- Benefit from penalty reductions in the event of substantial cooperation
Doping control procedures during the Games
During the Games, in accordance with the rights and responsibilities of athletes under the Anti-Doping Program, athletes are:
- encouraged to be accompanied during doping control so that this person acts as a representative and helps with translation and interpretation, as required;
- invited to report their concerns regarding the doping control process in a Supplementary Report (if applicable) or in the Comments section of the Doping Control Form;
- are informed again that once they have been notified that they are to undergo a doping control, they must report immediately to the doping control station, unless they request an extension for a valid reason and this is approved by the anti-doping team responsible for the Games.
Valid reasons for requiring a delay before going to a doping control station include:
- Take part in a recovery period;
- Obtain medical treatment;
- Fulfill a media engagement;
- Participate in a training session;
- Attend a medal ceremony.
If an athlete obtains a delay to report to a doping control station or to leave a doping control station, he must be accompanied by an athlete notification and accompaniment officer also called an “escort” or “chaperone”. .
The Committee's website provides further anti-doping information, including sample collection procedures and athletes' rights and responsibilities. The Cma.med app lists European medications and can also be accessed from a smartphone or tablet.
