Sport

The key questions for independent inquiry into handling of doping allegations

Sunday Times claim UKAD given information about Dr Mark Bonar’s alleged activity

The Sunday Times claim Dr Mark Bonar gave 150 top athletes access to drugs over the past six years. Photograph: EPA
The Sunday Times claim Dr Mark Bonar gave 150 top athletes access to drugs over the past six years. Photograph: EPA
Tue Apr 05 2016 - 18:19

An independent inquiry is to be held into UK Anti-Doping's handling of allegations surrounding the conduct of Dr Mark Bonar.

A report in The Sunday Times last weekend alleged that Bonar prescribed performance-enhancing drugs to 150 athletes, a claim he denies.

The newspaper claimed UKAD was given information about the doctor’s alleged doping activities two years ago but failed to take action.

Here’s a look at some of the key questions surrounding the inquiry.

READ MORE

What will be investigated?

The inquiry will examine how the information supplied by the unnamed sportsperson who gave details of Bonar’s alleged activities to UKAD was handled and whether proper procedures were followed. The full terms of reference and timescale for the investigation are still being decided and will be announced in due course.

Who is doing the investigating?

It was announced on Tuesday that the inquiry will be led by Andy Ward, a recently-retired Assistant Chief Constable from Merseyside. Ward left police service in January having “built up extensive experience of serious organised crime, counter terrorism and the use of intelligence”, say UKAD. As well as his investigation, Ward will be asked to make any recommendations to improve processes in the future.

Who appointed him?

Ward was appointed by the UKAD board, with the approval of John Whittingdale, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

What have UKAD said?

In a statement following The Sunday Times report, UKAD confirmed they received information from a sportsman in April and May 2014, but said the doctor fell outside their jurisdiction and they did not believe there were grounds to refer the case to the General Medical Council. UKAD chairman David Kenworthy said following Ward’s appointment: “As a publicly-funded body, it is correct that UKAD be held to account for any actions it takes and the team is very supportive of, and will fully cooperate with, the review process.”