South Africa: CAF Announces Disciplinary Action in Doping Matters

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has received the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the doping matter of Ms Amanda Sister and the Banyana Banyana stand-in Team Doctor at the time of the 2012 African Women's Championship hosted in Equatorial Guinea.

Whilst CAF has reduced the standard sentence from two (2) years to one (1) year for the player, they took strong action against the Team Doctor that administered the banned substance.

The Team Doctor has admitted liability and has been banned for four (4) years from participating in any football activity. SAFA has also reported the conduct of the doctor to the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS).

However, the player will serve her one-year suspension which runs until 16 December 2013.

"It is very unfortunate for the player but SAFA would like to warn all athletes that, in terms of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, they are held responsible for any treatment administered to them by professionals. Medical practitioners are also warned not to place athletes at risk by administering banned substances during treatment," said SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble.

The Association has provided on-going psychological support since January 2013 from a highly reputable psychologist to counsel Ms Sister to help her cope with this setback.

The Association cannot comment any further on the matter but will continue to work with SAIDS on its anti-doping campaign as it has already done with Bafana Bafana earlier this year.

"We also respectfully request the media to respect the privacy of Ms Sister during this difficult period," concluded Mumble.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has received the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the doping matter of Ms Amanda Sister and the Banyana Banyana stand-in Team Doctor at the time of the 2012 African Women's Championship hosted in Equatorial Guinea.

Whilst CAF has reduced the standard sentence from two (2) years to one (1) year for the player, they took strong action against the Team Doctor that administered the banned substance.

Read more:
South Africa: CAF Announces Disciplinary Action in Doping Matters