The most significant change between the 2009 and the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code is that the general period of ineligibility imposed for a first doping offence has been prolonged to four years. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) stated that there was a strong consensus amongst stakeholders, and in particular athletes, that intentional cheaters should be ineligible for a period of four years. It is obvious that the legitimate objective of taking such a measure is a fight against doping and, in particular, deterrence effect for athletes and other persons considering anti-doping rules violations as well as a more severe punishment for cheaters. There is a question whether it is a satisfactory reason and whether a four-year ban is proportionate to these objectives as it might go beyond what is necessary to achieve a doping-free sport.

The thesis deals with sanctions for anti-doping rules violations with focus on sanctions of individual athletes and, in particular, the period of ineligibility. In the thesis the student will firstly introduce the anti-doping law system and examine whether anti-doping rules fall within the scope of EU law. After recognizing provisions possibly violating EU law the student will assess whether the sanction system for anti-doping rules violation constitute a restriction to the citizenship, free movement and competition law provisions of EU law. In the end the student will examine justification and proportionality of the possible restrictions.