The World Anti-Doping Agency has escalated the cases of non-compliance against the national anti-doping agencies of Nigeria and Venezuela to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

WADA had previously penalized these agencies in November for their failure to address essential requirements, a decision that has been contested by both parties.

In a statement released by the Agency, WADA disclosed that it submitted separate requests for arbitration with CAS on February 9, 2024.

The statement reads, “WADA has filed the two separate requests for arbitration with CAS on Feb. 9, 2024… The allegations of non-compliance and the consequences would not take effect until such time as CAS makes its ruling.”The recommended penalties outlined by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee include the exclusion of Nigeria and Venezuela’s flags from competitions and their disqualification from hosting major sporting events until they fulfill the conditions for reinstatement.