In 2022, the World Anti-Doping Agency found that several thousand fewer samples were received from national anti-doping agencies around the world than expected.
Shortage of Doping Samples in 2022
The most serious problem was identified by the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency (CELAD). According to the organization's report to the Council of Europe, 3002 samples were taken in Spain, but in its own internal report, the agency indicated the figure of 6326 samples.
In addition, the CELAD financial audit showed 9388 samples, but only 2586 analyses reached WADA. This discrepancy led to the fact that the World Anti-Doping Agency did not receive from Spain from 3,700 to 6,800 samples. For comparison, the British Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) informed the Council of Europe about 9,733 samples, but WADA received only 8,507 analyzes, which means a difference of 1,226 samples. Portugal lost about 1,660 samples.
CELAD In Doubt: Using Workarounds and Tricks
Earlier it was noted that the Spanish agency CELAD used various methods to avoid sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency. For example, documents were sent by regular mail, not electronically, and athletes allegedly did not receive notifications on time.
In addition, WADA was aware of the violations taking place, but probably deliberately ignored them for five years.