WADA unveils 2022 Prohibited List of banned substances and methods

WADA experts conduct a review of the list each year and identify if substances or methods need to be added to – or removed from – the Prohibited List based on relevant research. WADA recently published the 2022 Prohibited List, which will go into effect on 1 January 2022.

The 2022 list contains several changes that players, their doctors and support staff need to be aware of. Due to the nature of the changes – in particular with respect to glucocorticoids and salbutamol – all players who currently use, or may need to use, these substances are strongly encouraged to seek specialist advice to determine whether they are, or could be affected by the changes.

The full list of modifications to the Prohibited List can be found in WADA’s Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes. However, the major changes are outlined below:

S9. Glucocorticoids

The rules on the use of Glucocorticoids have changed. As from the launch of the WADA Code in 2004, oral, rectal, intramuscular and intravenous routes of administration of glucocorticoids were prohibited in-competition. However, as from 1 January 2022, oral, rectal and all injectable routes will be prohibited in-competition, i.e. not only intramuscular and intravenous routes of administration, but also local injections into, for example, joints or bursa.

If there is a legitimate medical need for the use of a glucocorticoid via a prohibited route of administration, a player may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) (see further below).

Other routes of administration such as inhalation, nose spray, eye drops, and topical application are not prohibited at any time, and do not require a TUE.

The in-competition period is defined as from 23:59 the night before a match through to the end of the match and of any doping control related to that match. The use of glucocorticoids outside of this defined period is not prohibited by any route of administration. However, an in-competition urine sample may return a positive finding off glucocorticoids, even if its administration took place out-of-competition.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any player who intends to use a glucocorticoid out-of-competition becomes familiar with, and follows the minimum washout periods established by WADA. The washout periods for glucocorticoids are highlighted in WADA’s Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

For full information regarding the amendments to the rules on Glucocorticoids, please see WADA’s document Glucocorticoids and Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

S3. Beta-2 Agonists – Dosage of Salbutamol

Regarding salbutamol, the daily dosing time intervals have been modified to 600 micrograms over eight hours starting from the time any dose is taken (previously 800 micrograms over 12 hours). The total permitted daily dose remains 1,600 micrograms over 24 hours. A TUE should be sought for doses in excess of these limits.

It is strongly recommended that players who use salbutamol seek specialist advice on these changes to the Prohibited List.

S0. Non-approved Substances

Finally, for the first time, a substance has been included by name as an example in section S0 (Non-approved Substances) of the Prohibited List. This substance, BPC-157, is an experimental peptide sold as a supplement, and it has been included in the 2022 list following a recent re-evaluation of its status.

Therapeutic Use Exemptions

If a player has an illness or condition that requires them to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method, they may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). For more information on TUEs, and the Prohibited List, players can refer to this UEFA Guide.