UKAD Chair Trevor Pearce issues response to former WADA chief Dick Pound

In response to comments made by the founding president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Dick Pound earlier in the week, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Chair, Trevor Pearce CBE QPM has issued a response to the Evening Standard (published Friday 16 November, p18).

Mr Pound's comments can be read here, and Trevor Pearce's full response can be read below.

"Sir,

"I was disappointed to read the comments of Dick Pound reported in your pages yesterday, on the current debate of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) role and its engagement with Russia.

"Whilst I clearly have great respect for Dick Pound as the founding President of WADA, his characterisation of the position of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is wrong. UKAD along with a number of national anti-doping organisations was invited to the White House to discuss issues related to governance reform in WADA and how the broader athlete voice might be heard. Given our daily role in delivering anti-doping, and our responsibilities to the UK’s Anti-Doping Policy, having a view on these matters is entirely legitimate.

"Mr Pound should also know, for the last three years UKAD, at the invitation of WADA, has delivered for the suspended Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) an anti-doping testing programme, and has delivered advice and training for the organisation so it could fulfil WADA’s roadmap to a return compliance. We were doing this up to the day that RUSADA were deemed compliant. This clearly demonstrates the constructive approach UKAD has taken, and we have sought to maintain an open and positive relationship with WADA, the Anti-Doping community and athletes during this difficult period.

"As a point of clarity, UKAD is funded by the UK Government and pays the UK’s annual fee to WADA of nearly £700,000, which is amongst the top five government contributions to WADA’s funding.

"UKAD’s efforts are focused on ensuring WADA’s governance structure is modernised and can take account a broader range of views in addition to those of the IOC and governments.

"Trevor Pearce CBE QPM

"UK Anti-Doping Chair"