The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has released the official 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, effective from 1 January 2026. This mandatory International Standard applies to all Code Signatories, including IFMA, and is a cornerstone of the fight for clean sport.

For Muaythai athletes and their support teams, understanding the List is crucial — as every athlete is ultimately responsible for what is found in their body, and entourage members can also face sanctions if complicit.

What’s New for 2026

  • Expanded Clarifications in Key Categories
    WADA has added clearer definitions and more examples under:
    • S1: Anabolic Agents (e.g. testosterone, SARMs like ostarine, clenbuterol)
    • S2: Peptide Hormones & Growth Factors (EPO, growth hormone, IGF-1, secretagogues)
    • S4: Hormone and Metabolic Modulators (aromatase inhibitors, SERMs, insulin mimetics, meldonium, trimetazidine)
    • S6: Stimulants (amphetamine derivatives, cocaine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, MDMA).
  • Asthma Medication – Salmeterol
    The dosing intervals for inhaled salmeterol have been adjusted to prevent misuse, though the daily maximum remains 200 micrograms2026list_en_final_clean_septemb….
  • Blood Manipulation
    New clarity on the prohibition of withdrawing and reinfusing blood or blood components, except for approved medical/donation purposes2026list_en_final_clean_septemb….
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) as a Prohibited Method
    The use of rebreathing systems or equipment to deliver carbon monoxide is banned (M1.4). Diagnostic use under medical supervision remains permitted2026list_en_final_clean_septemb….
  • Cell Components Prohibition
    The ban on gene and cell doping now explicitly covers cell components such as nuclei, mitochondria, and ribosomes2026list_en_final_clean_septemb….
  • Glucocorticoids
    All injectable, oral, or rectal routes remain prohibited in-competition. WADA has clarified that sustained-release formulations may result in detection beyond standard washout periods2026list_en_final_clean_septemb….

Substances of Abuse

As a reminder, cocaine, heroin, MDMA (“ecstasy”), and THC (cannabis/marijuana) are designated Substances of Abuse2026list_en_final_clean_septemb…. These are banned because they are widely abused in society, not only in sport.

IFMA’s Call to Action

IFMA urges all athletes, coaches, and national federations to:

  • Review the full 2026 Prohibited List on WADA’s website.
  • Make use of the educational tools available on WADA’s ADEL platform.
  • Seek guidance from IFMA or their National Anti-Doping Organisation if there is any doubt about a substance or method.

Clean sport is at the heart of Muaythai’s values. Understanding and respecting the Prohibited List is essential not only for fair play, but also for the health, safety, and integrity of our athletes.

🥊 Top 5 Updates Muaythai Athletes Must Know for 2026

1. Clearer Rules on Substances
Expanded examples in anabolic agents, hormones, modulators, and stimulants – less room for “I didn’t know.”

2. Asthma Medications
Salmeterol dosing intervals changed – daily limit stays 200 micrograms, but timing rules are stricter.

3. Blood Manipulation
New detail: withdrawing or re-infusing blood components is banned unless for donation/medical testing.

4. New Ban: Carbon Monoxide
The use of carbon monoxide rebreathing systems is now prohibited (except under medical diagnosis).

5. Glucocorticoids
All injectable, oral, or rectal routes banned in-competition. Be careful: sustained-release forms can remain detectable longer.

⚠️ Reminder: Cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and THC remain listed as Substances of Abuse.

📲 Full details: 2026 Prohibited List – WADA