The World Anti-Doping Agency despite reports to the contrary has not yet exonerated Jannik Sinner, the current US Open champion with at least three more weeks left to appeal the case.
WADA shared details of the appeal deadline on Tuesday showing that the World Anti-Doping Code, the global rule set for international sports gives the Montreal based agency at least until the end of September to file a case.
He was seen as bearing no fault or negligence initially and earlier today Italian media seemed to run with the story that due to timescales elapsing, he had been exonerated and would not face an appeal process.
But WADA were quick to confirm this is not actually the case and they could yet return to appeal the verdict handed down. This gives a nervous wait for Sinner in the coming weeks who could yet face an appeal process.
Only WADA and Nado Italia, Italy's anti-doping agency are the only two agencies that could challenge the decision by an independent tribunal. While the rules state that any other party has 21 days to appeal, WADA gets another 21 days on top of that. Tuesday marks the 21st day meaning that the reports from Italy were valid but not in the case of WADA.
"The deadline for filing an appeal to the CAS will be 21 days from the date of receipt of the reasoned decision in question by the appealing party," the tennis integrity agency rulebook says.
Initially Sinner was found guilty of taking the substance Clostebol administered through a spray that got into his system due to his physio using it to treat an ailment and then massaging him. But his appeals for suspension were positive meaning that it didn't reach the public eye until the no fault or negligence verdict.
“WADA’s review of this case is ongoing. No decision has been taken on that yet. For the deadline, read 13. 2. 3.5 of the World Anti-Doping Code," said a statement issued to Adam Addicott of Ubi Tennis.
“In addition you may want to check the ITF’s anti-doping rules for further possible provisions regarding deadlines.”
Statement where WADA reveals that the review of Sinner's case "is still ongoing" for them.
🚨NEW🚨 The WADA has issued me this statement on Jannik #Sinner PART ONE “WADA’s review of this case is ongoing. No decision has been taken on that yet. For the deadline, read 13. 2. 3.5 of the World Anti-Doping Code.”
