European Sports Ministers Call for Drug-Testing of Athletes

European sports ministers called Wednesday for strong anti-drug legislation that would facilitate year-round testing of athletes throughout Europe, even though some officials expressed doubts about its legality.

The proposals, which come up for a final vote by the Council of Europe ministers today at Reykjavik, Iceland, also would recommend penalties for doctors and coaches who supply athletes with banned substances.

“We need to ensure that measures are harmonized between countries, so competitors and their supporters will know they face similar regimes of doping control no matter where they compete,” British Sports Minister Colin Moynihan said.

Moynihan added that the legislation would help erase national boundaries and make it possible for drug-testers from the International Olympic Committee to conduct random, unannounced testing.

Luxembourg Sports Minister Georges Lanners said, however, that he would oppose legislation that outlaws the use of substances such as steroids by athletes, but not by other people. “If you want to legislate against doping in sport, and only in sport, this would amount to discrimination,” he said.

If the proposals are approved, as expected, they will have to be ratified by foreign ministers later this year, before taking effect.