WADA appeal not a 're-investigation' of our case: Essendon CEO

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 8 years ago

WADA appeal not a 're-investigation' of our case: Essendon CEO

By Matt Murnane
Updated

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell says the club "sees no reason" why it shouldn't maintain its confidence in a positive outcome for its players going into the appeal process ignited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Campbell said WADA would not be "re-investigating" the supplements program that saw 34 of its past and present players receive show-cause notices, rather that the anti-doping body was simply re-prosecuting a case that had already fallen short at the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal.

Jobe Watson speaks to the media after the players were initially cleared.

Jobe Watson speaks to the media after the players were initially cleared.Credit: Getty Images

"They're not going out and looking for further evidence," Campbell said.

"This is effectively a re-prosecution of the same evidence by a different body under the same rules that were applied by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal," he said.

"We felt comfortable going in to the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal based on the evidence that was at hand. There is no reason why we shouldn't still feel comfortable at this point in time as well."

WADA is set outline its legal arguments for the appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport in the coming days, and then the Bombers will have 30 days to respond.

There is a strong possibility the matter could be heard by a CAS court in Switzerland, however Campbell said the location was unlikely to be established until all parties convene for a directions hearing.

"The player's preference and the players lawyers' preference would be to have it here," Campbell said.

"It won't make any difference to the way the case is heard," he said.

"I have full confidence in the process and integrity of those enlisted with the responsibility to oversee this matter."

Most Viewed in Sport

Loading