César Giraldo and Carlos Buitrago are experts in sports law from Bogota, Colombia. They have been involved in numerous anti-doping appeal cases, including elite and lower level athletes, with national and international sports federations. In this article, they critically appraise a number of legal process issues, including how appeals are heard, delays, lack of expertise of panel members, and how evidence is not always allowed to be presented. By addressing such problems, they ask whether the fight against doping has actually become a fight against athletes, fairness and therefore against the principles of anti-doping. Finally, they offer some comment on why suspensions and sanctions might impact athletes in South America in ways that are much different to other contexts.
César Giraldo is the founding partner of GHER Sports in Colombia. Since 2011, his team have represented athletes and sports organizations in Latin America.
Carlos Buitrago is currently working at GHER Sports as a Senior Lawyer in Sports Law. Carlos is really interested in anti-doping matters and with his team, has defended many athletes in national and international disputes concerning this matter.
Disclaimer: The texts and interviews do not represent the opinions of the INDR members or their employers. They belong solely to the author or interviewee.