23 Feb 2010

FIFA to crack down on herbal medicines for World Cup

11:09 am on 23 February 2010

Football's governing body FIFA wants to crack down on herbal enhancers ahead of the June World Cup following concerns that traditional African medicines could give players an unfair advantage.

FIFA's chief medical officer Professor Jiri Dvorak says some of the plants used are undetectable at present, but they're working with the World Anti Doping Agency to find a way to test for the substances.

Dvorak says it could take some time, and at the very least FIFA needs to work with the World Cup teams to ensure performance enhancers are not used in South Africa.

FIFA's chief medical officer Professor Jiri Dvorak says before now, no one realised this could be an issue.