WADA list of prohibited substances for 2026

How it affects football

It is crucial that all players and support personnel are aware of the updates to the list to make sure that they are operating within the rules.

The list is one of the eight international standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code, designating what substances and methods are prohibited in and out of competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.

The list is released before it takes effect so that athletes, coaches, medical staff and other personnel can acquaint themselves with the modifications. Players are personally responsible for prohibited substances found in their body, as well as prohibited methods found to have been used. Player support personnel are also liable for anti-doping rule violations if it is determined that they are complicit.

Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that players and their support personnel contact their respective national anti-doping organisation (NADO) or UEFA's anti-doping unit for advice.

Inclusion criteria

Substances are included in the list if WADA, in collaboration with scientific, medical and anti-doping experts, determines that they meet any two of the following three criteria:

• It enhances or has the potential to enhance sporting performance

• It poses an actual or potential health risk to the athlete

• It violates the 'spirit of sport' (as defined in the Code)

Substances or methods which mask the effect – or impede the detection – of prohibited substances are also prohibited, as is any substance which has not been approved for human use by any governmental regulatory health authority.

Summary of modifications to the prohibited list

The below summarises the main changes to the prohibited list for 2026. However, please consult the summary of major modifications for the full details.

S1. Anabolic agents

It was clarified in S1.1. that esters of the prohibited steroids are also prohibited.

S3. Beta-2 agonists

The maximum permitted daily dose of inhaled salmeterol remains 200 micrograms over 24 hours. However, the dosing intervals have changed, and players will only be able to inhale up to 100 micrograms of salmeterol over any 8-hour period.

M1. Manipulation of blood and blood components

It was clarified that withdrawal of blood or blood components is prohibited except for:

1) analytical purposes including medical tests or doping control

2) donation purposes performed in an accredited collection centre

Carbon monoxide

The use of re-breathing systems or equipment to deliver carbon monoxide is now prohibited unless performed as a diagnostic procedure under the supervision of a medical or scientific professional.

M3. Gene and cell doping

The use of cell components (e.g. nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes) has been added to the existing prohibition of using normal or genetically modified cells.

Additional examples

Please note that the following are not new substances added to the prohibited list, but are additional examples of substances already prohibited.

Therapeutic use exemption programme

Players who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the list can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The TUE Programme is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport which has gained overwhelming acceptance by athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders.

The criteria for granting a TUE are outlined in the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) and, for further information, players and team doctors can refer to this UEFA Guide on the Prohibited List and TUEs.