At A Glance
- International sport's anti-doping watchdog on Friday, Dec. 8, confirmed its decision to fine the Olympic Council of Asia $500,000 for allowing North Korea to fly its flag at the Asian Games despite a ban for non-compliance.
MONTREAL (AFP) -- International sport's anti-doping watchdog on Friday, Dec. 8, confirmed its decision to fine the Olympic Council of Asia $500,000 for allowing North Korea to fly its flag at the Asian Games despite a ban for non-compliance.
The fine was announced on Nov. 17, and the Montreal-based World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Friday that the OCA "did not dispute WADA's allegation of non-compliance, the proposed consequences of non-compliance or the proposed reinstatement conditions within 21 days.
"As a result, the alleged non-compliance (of the OCA) is deemed admitted and the conditions accepted."
WADA banned North Korea from hosting major international events, or flying its flag at such events, excluding the Olympics and Paralympics, in 2021 because it had not implemented an effective drug-testing program.
However, WADA said that "despite repeated reminders" the North Korean flag was displayed throughout the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in September and October, including at the opening and closing ceremonies and medal presentations.