CAF: 'We Want to Rid African Football of Doping'

Rabat – CAF is stepping up its fight against doping in African football, saying it will do all it can to keep the beautiful game fair. The group’s Anti-Doping Unit is working hard to stop drug cheats and keep football clean. Since starting in 2020, it has carried out 900 tests a year. But officials say there is still work to do.

“Although the CAF Anti-Doping Unit started in 2020, we have achieved our set targets,” said CAF Senior Anti-Doping Manager, Sherif Abou El Enein. “Despite this great achievement, we are not entirely satisfied because we want to ensure that we rid African football of doping offenders.”

CAF has been running anti-doping workshops across Africa, with the latest one in Johannesburg, South Africa. Doctors from across Africa attended to learn more about keeping football even-handed.

CAF is also making sure only top medical experts handle doping tests. “CAF took the decision that being a qualified Medical Doctor is a prerequisite to be an official CAF Doping Control Officer,” said El Enein. “A player can be banned for up to five years if found guilty, so this process must be taken seriously.”

Technology is also playing a big role. CAF is using the MODOC system, a paperless method that cuts human error and makes testing more reliable.

This move is part of CAF’s bigger plan to keep African football up to global standards. Officials say they will not stop until drug cheats are out of the game.

Doping in African sport has been on the rise in recent years and athletics, cycling, and boxing are all facing drug scandals, with top stars banned for cheating.

Kenya has long been a powerhouse in long-distance running. But now its reputation is in tatters. Over 60 Kenyan athletes have been banned for taking illegal drugs like EPO and testosterone. Even some of the country’s top marathon stars, like Wilson Kipsang and Rita Jeptoo, have lost their titles.

Ethiopian runners have also been caught, but not as many. Jemima Sumgong, an Olympic gold medalist, tested positive for EPO. Some claim they had no idea they were taking banned drugs. Others say shady coaches and agents forced them to do it.

African cycling is growing fast, but so is the doping problem. Countries like South Africa and Eritrea have seen their cyclists test positive for steroids and EPO. Some teams have been accused of not testing their riders properly.

Doping is now hitting the African boxing scene too. South African boxer Thulani Mbenge has been linked to a doping scandal, and many fighters have tested positive for steroids and stimulants that boost power and aggression.

The number of cases is rising, and the situation is only getting worse.

Many African nations don’t have good labs to check for drugs. Some are accused of covering up failed tests to protect themselves, and many young athletes don’t even know what drugs are banned which make them prone to taking drugs that can put their careers in jeopardy.