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AFL chief Andrew Demetriou says doubts linger over the classification of AOD-9604, the drug which is a key element of the investigation into Essendon’s use of supplements.
The anti-obesity drug is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but Demetriou said on Friday an Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report released earlier in 2013 did not refer to it as being prohibited.
“There is a view from WADA that they have deemed AOD-9604 to be banned,” Demetriou told radio 3AW.
“The AFL received the ACC report where it was determined that it wasn’t banned, so there is an issue whether it is banned or not banned. There is a classification issue around that.
“I’m not going to speculate whether it is or it isn’t, other than to say that this investigation is coming to an end.”
Demetriou said he hoped the joint ASADA-AFL investigation would be completed in August, ahead of the finals series in September.
The third-placed Bombers have an 11-3 win-loss record after 15 rounds but could face the loss of premiership points and player suspensions if found guilty of breaching the league’s anti-doping code.
Essendon skipper Jobe Watson has admitted he took a substance he believed was the banned AOD-9604, but added it was cleared for his use by club medical staff.
It’s understood ASADA is investigating whether some Bombers players were put on the drug, and their performance were measured against players who weren’t using it, with results then passed on to external parties.
Essendon’s own investigation into governance at the club during the period in question found major failings and chief executive Ian Robson resigned.
The Bombers have said they had no knowledge of any virtual clinical trial of AOD-9604 at the club, but concede they don’t know the full picture of what happened at Essendon.
“We’re at a point in time where, when we receive the report, the public … all of us … are entitled to hear the truth,” Demetriou said.
“Everybody is impatient about getting to the end of this matter and none moreso than the AFL.
“Everyone’s been interviewed. It’s been an extensive investigation – 130 interviews.
“This is an investigation that’s very complex and what we should say is it’s been well handled because we’re getting to the bottom of it.”
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