© EuroFootball.com
Fears that football would be removed from the Olympic program due to disagreements between the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) did not materialize. On Friday in Paris, celebrating its centennial, FIFA President Joseph Blatter agreed to sign the global anti-doping code and thus end the two-year tension between FIFA and WADA.
If this code had not been signed, football could have been removed from the Olympic Games program.
"This is a historic day for sport and the fight against doping, and a huge step forward," said WADA President Dick Pound.
"I am convinced that the 'marriage' between FIFA and WADA will be successful, and their children - good," said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.
Disagreements between WADA and FIFA began when the International Football Federation refused to agree to a mandatory two-year disqualification for doping use and demanded that each case be treated separately. Through negotiations, both parties were able to reach an agreement and make a decision.
