The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has implemented the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods as of 1 January 2025. This List, approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 12 September 2024, is a mandatory International Standard for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code. It specifies substances and methods prohibited both in- and out-of-competition, as well as those banned in particular sports.
As a proud signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, IFMA remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and integrity in sport. We urge all athletes, coaches, and medical professionals within the Muaythai community to review the updated List and ensure full compliance.
Key Changes for 2025
- Additional Examples: To aid athletes and their support teams in identifying prohibited substances, further examples have been added to the following classes:
- S0. Non-approved substances
- S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators
- S5. Diuretics and masking agents
- S6. Stimulants
- Formoterol Dosing Intervals: While the maximum daily delivered dose remains unchanged, the dosing intervals for formoterol have been updated.
- Blood Donations: Donating blood and blood components, including by apheresis, is no longer prohibited when performed at an accredited collection centre.
- Hydrafinil Classification: Hydrafinil is now classified as a non-specified stimulant.
- Guanfacine Clarification: It has been clarified that guanfacine is not a prohibited substance.
- Beta-Blockers in Skiing and Snowboarding: Beta-blockers are no longer prohibited in any skiing and snowboarding disciplines.
These updates are critical for the Muaythai community to understand, as compliance ensures a fair playing field for all athletes. IFMA encourages stakeholders to utilise the resources available to stay informed about these changes.
Annual Review Process
WADA conducts an extensive annual review of the List, beginning in January and concluding with its publication by 1 October. This process involves gathering the latest scientific and medical research, trends, and intelligence from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies. A draft List is circulated among stakeholders for feedback, which is then considered for revisions. The Health, Medical, and Research Committee reviews the final draft before making recommendations to WADA’s Executive Committee for approval.
For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Potential to enhance or enhances sport performance.
- Represents an actual or potential health risk to athletes.
- Violates the spirit of sport.
The List is released three months before it takes effect to allow athletes, their support teams, and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with any changes. Athletes are ultimately responsible for any prohibited substances found in their bodies and any prohibited methods used. Members of an athlete’s support team may also be held accountable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if found complicit. If there is any uncertainty regarding the status of a substance or method, it is crucial to consult the relevant Anti-Doping Organisations or IFMA for guidance.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
Athletes with legitimate medical reasons for using a prohibited substance or method must apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). IFMA reminds its athletes that TUE applications should be submitted well in advance to ensure timely approval.
IFMA’s Role in Promoting Clean Sport
IFMA remains steadfast in promoting clean sport and ensuring a fair and level playing field for all Muaythai athletes. As an organisation that values the health and integrity of its athletes, IFMA works closely with WADA and national anti-doping agencies to support education and awareness initiatives.
