To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the National Anti-Doping Organisation expects the governing authorities for football to have introduced anti-doping procedures compliant with its requirements; and if he will make a statement. (277268)

[holding answer 1 June 2009]: UK Sport, the UK’s National Anti-doping Organisation, is currently working with the Football Association (FA) to ensure that their anti-doping rules and procedures are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA) and accompanying international standards.

We understand that the FA Council will be considering this when it meets over the summer to agree their rules for the 2009-10 season. Government expect the FA to ensure that their anti-doping rules and procedures are fully compliant with WADA’s code and standards.