WADA said it had made the decision to cancel the event, which had been postponed from its planned March slot and tentatively rescheduled for October, to focus on preparations for the 2022 symposium.

The biggest annual gathering of the anti-doping world had been pencilled in for October 19 to 20 and was due to take place either fully in person in Lausanne or as a hybrid event.

WADA director general Olivier Niggli said parts of the 2022 edition of the symposium could also be held virtually, depending on the pandemic.

"Looking at the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, we believe restrictions will be significantly less in early 2022," Niggli said.

"Holding an edition of our annual Symposium in October 2021 and another one just a few months later would have made little sense. 

"By focusing on March 2022, we anticipate being able to welcome a large number of our stakeholder community onsite, while preparing to offer a virtual solution for those members of the community that may not be able to attend in person."

The 2022 WADA Annual Symposium is due to be held from March 23 to 24.

The event is designed for anti-doping practitioners from International Federations, National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations and Major Event Organisations.

Representatives from Athlete Commissions, Governments, WADA-accredited laboratories and Athlete Passport Management Units also attend, alongside service providers, researchers and the media.

WADA had also encouraged the participation of Anti-Doping Organisations' athletes and athlete representatives, given the theme of the 16th symposium - "Partnering to Deliver Clean Sport for Athletes in a New Era."