WADA probed by Canadian officials over drug sample handling

MONTREAL, Canada -- Canada said Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) it has opened an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after receiving a complaint about how the organization handles biological samples from taken from athletes.

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement it will examine how WADA collects, uses and discloses information gathered from samples to ensure its procedures complied with federal privacy laws.

The Privacy Commissioner's office said the investigation has been launched following a complaint alleging that WADA has disclosed personal information to international sporting federations.

The information is alleged to have been used to assess athletes' sex-based eligibility without their knowledge or consent, the office said.

No further details about the complaint were revealed.

A WADA spokesperson said the agency was aware of the investigation and "looks forward to clarifying its position to the commissioner in due course."