The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has organized an intensive training course to certify 30 doping control officers from various continents. This is part of the operational preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The objective of this course is to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and integrity in sample collection (urine, blood, and dried blood spots) and to unify internationally approved digital and laboratory procedures, according to a statement on the official FIFA website. Luis Villas Boas, FIFA's Head of Judicial Bodies, emphasized that these certifications are a cornerstone for protecting the integrity of football, noting that participants underwent rigorous competency tests, as well as written and field exams to ensure they meet the required standards. FIFA has decided that no official will be appointed to future world championships unless they have successfully obtained or renewed this certificate, in line with the international standards of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
