What the study found
The authors argue that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the global body that oversees anti-doping, is sufficiently public in nature to require a public interest consideration when it makes discretionary decisions. They also argue that embedding such a test could support more consistent decision-making and procedural justice in anti-doping processes.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest that if WADA decision-makers were required to explain their actions using a public interest test, they would be held to a common standard. The study suggests this would make anti-doping decisions more consistent and better aligned with procedural justice principles.
What the researchers tested
The article examines WADA’s role as a hybrid public-private organisation and uses a holistic understanding of "publicness" drawn from the work of Kinsgbury, Armin von Bogdandy et al., and Letitia Lo Giacco. The authors identify WADA’s current anti-doping roles, locate situations of discretionary decision-making in the World Anti-Doping Code, and use case studies to show how a public interest test might affect decisions.
What worked and what didn't
The authors report that their analysis supports the view that WADA should incorporate a public interest consideration. They also state that a public interest test, modeled on the kind required of prosecutors in criminal justice systems, could provide a common standard for explaining decisions and may improve consistency. The abstract does not report comparative trial outcomes or empirical performance data.
What to keep in mind
The abstract presents the authors' argument and illustrative case studies, not an empirical evaluation of outcomes from a new policy. It also notes that earlier literature on WADA's publicness predates several International Standards and does not reflect WADA’s evolving role in areas such as education.
Key points
- The authors argue that WADA is sufficiently public in nature to require a public interest consideration.
- They propose a public interest test for discretionary anti-doping decisions.
- The study suggests this could create a common standard for explaining decisions.
- The authors say this may lead to greater consistency and procedural justice in anti-doping processes.
- Their analysis uses WADA roles, the World Anti-Doping Code, and case studies.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- WADA is argued to need a public interest test
- Authors:
- Brianna Walsh, Yvonne McDermott, Andrew Bloodworth
- Institutions:
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Swansea University, Swansea University, Swansea University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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