Doping: UK Anti-Doping Whistleblowers’ Reports in 2025
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that, last year, whistleblowers made 185 reports of suspected doping to the UK national anti-doping organisation (Ukad), through its 'Protect Your Sport' whistleblowing scheme.
As a result of these reports, two individuals were charged with anti-doping rule violations.
The reports, coming from 25 sports, are the second highest number since the scheme was launched in 2020. In 2024, there were 211 reports.
The head of intelligence and investigations at Ukad, Mario Theophanous, remarked:
"Seeing yet another year of consistently high reports coming in has been positive, it shows that individuals feel safe coming to us and that they want to protect the integrity of their sport."
WhatsApp and SMS reporting channels enable Ukad investigators to respond in real time to whistleblowers, whilst, at the same time, not being able to see their names or numbers.
As regards this method of reporting, Theophanous stated:
"It's rapidly becoming one of our most used platforms for reporting doping suspicions and allows us to ask additional questions if required, all whilst maintaining the person's anonymity.”
In 2025, a total of 15 people, were sanctioned in the UK for anti-doping rule violations.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
