South Africa has filed a court appeal against a WADA decision that risks seeing the Springboks barred from flying their flag against France. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Springboks, Proteas could face SA flag, anthem ‘ban’ at World Cup

The Springboks and Proteas could face dramatic consequences after South Africa reportedly failed to comply with a World Anti-Doping Code.

by Craig Lewis

04-10-2023 16:44

in SA Cricket

South Africa has filed a court appeal against a WADA decision that risks seeing the Springboks barred from flying their flag against France. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

In a dramatic report by the Daily Maverick‘s sports editor Craig Ray, South Africa has apparently not met the deadline to amend the outdated drug-free sport act in order to comply with the latest World Anti-Doping Code (Wada).

Consequences could reportedly see both the Springboks and Proteas unable to participate under a national flag, while also being unable to sing the national anthem.

ALSO READ: How Springboks could still MISS out on World Cup quarter-finals

The Springboks are likely to be in Rugby World Cup quarter-final action next weekend, while the Proteas are in Cricket World Cup action from this Saturday.

On 23 September 2023, Wada apparently issued a statement confirming that South Africa had not updated its anti-doping code, but South Africa has not complied as yet, and now have just 10 days to do so fully before 13 October.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) had warned of the need to meet this compliance a year ago already – without any action as yet – while the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will now apparently “expend all efforts get the Amendment Bill adopted expeditiously”.

ALSO READ: Prayers, jersey swaps: Boks, Tonga display rugby brotherhood

“Wada wishes to update stakeholders regarding the Executive Committee’s decision to endorse 10 recommendations of Wada’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC),” a statement by Wada read.

“During its meeting, the Exco asserted non-compliance of three Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).

“The two National Anti-Doping Organisations (Nados) in question are Bermuda and South Africa; and the Major Event Organization (MEO) in question is the Pan American Sports Organization (Panam Sports).

“In the cases of the Bermuda and South Africa Nados, the non-compliance is a result of legislation not in line with the 2021 Code.”

Updated rankings: Where Springboks stand after Tonga win

RUGBY WORLD CUP PERMUTATIONS IN THE SPRINGBOKS’ GROUP:

Scotland must beat Ireland and deny the Irish a bonus point to finish second on the head-to-head rule with South Africa topping the pool.
If Ireland get a bonus point and Scotland do not, Ireland will top the pool on the head-to-head rule from South Africa.
A Scotland bonus-point win without Ireland getting anything from the game will see them qualify in second place behind South Africa. The Springboks would finish top on the head-to-head rule.
If Scotland win and both teams get a bonus point, then they join South Africa on 15 points and points difference will determine top spot in Pool B.
Scotland must win by 21 points or more to claim top spot ahead of South Africa (South Africa +117, Ireland +122 and Scotland +97). Ireland would then qualify as runners-up on the head-to-head rule, having beaten South Africa. If Scotland do not win by such a margin, then South Africa will finish top on points difference and Scotland second on the head-to-head rule.
Ireland will guarantee top spot if they secure two points from their match against Scotland.

ALSO READ: Early exits: Prepare for a Rugby World Cup travesty!