ZURICH/JOHANNESBURG: Following the recent decision by WADA to revoke the accreditation of the LADETEC laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, and after thorough consideration and discussion with WADA and the Brazilian authorities, FIFA has decided to use the WADA accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, to analyse blood and urine samples on the occasion of the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.

As WADA confirmed that following due process the LADETEC laboratory would not be able to achieve re-accreditation in time for the World Cup, FIFA has no other option but to handle the analysis of samples abroad. The LAD laboratory in Lausanne was already mandated on the occasion of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 for the handling of the analysis for the biological profile of athletes.

For next year’s World Cup, FIFA and WADA will ensure the best possible analysis of urine and blood samples and the proper implementation of the new strategy in the fight against doping by means of the steroid module of the Athlete Biological Passport.

FIFA is now taking the necessary logistical steps for the shipment of samples overseas.