sport news James Hird's dad calls for independent review of Essendon drugs scandal in wake ... trends now
The father of former Essendon coach James Hird has called for a fresh investigation into the club's 2013 supplements scandal as the world anti-doping authority faces a fresh investigation into Chinese swimmers accused of doping.
The Essendon Football Club supplements saga was a major sports controversy, where the club was investigated in 2013 for its 2012 supplements program.
The Australian Football League (AFL) found Essendon and key officials guilty of conducting a program that breached player health and safety regulations.
As a result, Essendon was excluded from the 2013 AFL finals, fined $2million, and their coach, James Hird, was suspended for 12 months.
Additionally, 34 past and present players were initially found not guilty by the AFL Tribunal but were later suspended for 12 months in 2016 after the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA[ appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Essendon was banned from the finals, 34 players were suspended and their coach James Hird sacked following the 2013 supplements scandal
Hird is an Essendon club great but was forced to leave the club in tears - and failed in his bid to be re-instated as coach for the 2024 season
Hird had been set to sensationally return as head coach in 2024, but was left 'betrayed' by the club after missing out to Brad Scott.
Meanwhile WADA has initiated an independent investigation into its response to a case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance but were not penalised.
Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier will lead the review, with full access to relevant files and the ability to consult with independent experts.
These swimmers, including members of the team that China sent to the Tokyo Olympics, won medals despite their positive tests, which China's antidoping agency later justified by claiming the substance was ingested unknowingly.
Sport Integrity Australia chief executive David Sharpe supported the inquiry, stating in a media release: 'Athletes in Australia and around the world need to have
