Rabat – Morocco has achieved a major milestone in its fight against doping in sports, moving from the high-risk Category A to the lower-risk Category B in the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) rankings.
The Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency (AMAD) announced the reclassification on Wednesday, signaling a turning point for the country’s athletics sector and its efforts to promote fairness and integrity in international competitions.
“The AIU has reclassified Morocco from Category A, which includes countries at the highest risk of doping, to Category B. Moroccan athletics was placed in Category A on March 5, 2020,” AMAD said.
Since its creation, AMAD has launched a robust national anti-doping program, with a focus on Moroccan athletics.
The program aligns with World Athletics regulations and Morocco’s Law 97-12, which provides a legal framework for combating doping in sports.
In December 2023, Morocco underlined the importance of this law as a foundation for achieving the country’s strategic goals in athletics.
Previously listed in Category A, Morocco met stringent requirements, including extensive testing and education initiatives for athletes ahead of international events.
The country’s efforts were evident during the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, the 2023 championships in Budapest, and the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Moroccan athletes underwent an average of 4.93, 5.4, and 8 tests per athlete, respectively.
These efforts earned Morocco a global ranking of fourth in anti-doping compliance, according to AMAD, and the transition to Category B highlights the country’s commitment to clean sports and restoring confidence in its athletic achievements.
As Morocco gears up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, this improvement in its doping classification represents a positive development for the nation’s reputation in international sports.
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