January 31, 2006 – In a recent AFP release it was reported that the Italian government has said they will be relaxing their strict doping laws for the upcoming Torino Winter Olympic Games, February 10-26.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) were relieved. Under IOC rules athletes face disqualification for doping, but in Italy they risk prison sentences up to three years.

Another controversy ensued when the Italian Health Ministry claimed its anti-doping commission would have full responsibility for testing at all international competitions in Italy. But a deal was struck with the IOC and testing will be based on WADA’s list of banned substances, although penal sanctions may still be applied.

The agreement also includes a taskforce including IOC members, WADA officials and representatives of TOROC, the Games organizers, to ensure a compromise is maintained between Italian law and the IOC’s rules.