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WADA Declines Appeal in Norwegian Turf Contamination Case as Vålerenga Seeks Anti-Doping Reforms

The closure of the DMBA case spotlights a gap in strict-liability doping rules for environmental exposure.

Overview

  • After the April 22 LSK-Hallen match, eight samples contained DMBA, with one Vålerenga test above WADA’s 50 ng/ml reporting threshold.
  • Anti-Doping Norway’s environmental probe found the stimulant originated from rubber crumb on the artificial pitch, leading to a no-fault finding for the player.
  • WADA chose not to appeal the ruling and said the DMBA issue appears confined to certain Norwegian synthetic fields.
  • Norway’s football federation advised moving indoor competitive fixtures outdoors, and the EU will ban rubber crumb infill sales from 2031.
  • Vålerenga’s CEO urged rule updates to recognize environmental contamination risks and strengthen athletes’ due-process rights, after the player described months of distress.