GAISF will help its members with the implementation of the 2021 Code ©GAISF

The Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) has claimed it will provide "expert assistance" on the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code to its members as part of its agreement with the International Testing Agency (ITA).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the GAISF and the ITA, an umbrella body which officially began operating in June 2018, in November.

In a statement, the GAISF said the partnership would help "ensure that all GAISF members are aware of and able to adapt to the framework" of the Code, which comes into force on January 1.

A dedicated seminar on the Code is set to be held next month, while GAISF will also present to its membership during its General Assembly in April.

GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said the organisation will support its membership with the 2021 Code ©Getty Images
GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said the organisation will support its membership with the 2021 Code ©Getty Images

The General Assembly will take place during the SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit in April, which has been moved out of China because of the coronavirus outbreak.

According to GAISF, its members have received a set of draft rules to implement the 2021 version of the Code, as well as a user guide to help them maintain compliance.

"Promoting clean sport and protecting athletes is absolutely imperative, and we will always endeavour to support our members in their efforts to deliver anti-doping programmes which comply with the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code," said GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli.

"Ensuring that we facilitate and promote knowledge sharing between our members is one of our key objectives, and putting into effect this MoU between GAISF and the ITA is the perfect demonstration of GAISF’s mission, to always serve the interests of International Federations."