CONTAMINATED MEAT AND NO FAULT SANCTIONS: HOW RECENT CONMEBOL DECISIONS EXEMPLIFY THE PROPER ADJUDICATION OF MEAT CONTAMINATION CASES

Abstract

This article examines recent CONMEBOL Disciplinary Committee decisions addressing the issue of inadvertent meat contamination resulting in Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for Boldenone. It explores how these cases illustrate the correct application of the No Fault or Negligence mechanism under the strict liability regime of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC). Through a detailed analysis of evidentiary standards, the article demonstrates how the athletes successfully established that the ingestion of the prohibited substance was unintentional and occurred without fault, leading to findings of no ineligibility. The author argues that these decisions exemplify fair, context-sensitive, and scientifically grounded adjudication in anti-doping cases from high-risk regions, ensuring both the integrity of competition and the protection of athletes’ rights.