World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the 2024 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) which enters into force on 1 January 2024

Major modifications for 2024 

All Major Modifications for 2024 are outlined in the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, including particular information regarding tramadol.

Tramadol has been on WADA’s Monitoring Program and data gathered has indicated significant use in sports. With its risk of physical dependence and overdoses, Tramadol abuse is of concern worldwide and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries. Studies funded by WADA have also confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance sports performance.

Annual list review process

WADA leads an annual revision process for a substance or method to be added to the List.  It must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria: 

1. It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance 

2. It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes 

3. It violates the spirit of sport

WADA also published: 

• the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes as compared to the 2023 List; and 

• the 2024 Monitoring Program, which includes substances that are not on the List, but that WADA wishes to monitor in order to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport.