Azerbaijan has highlighted its early progress in implementing the 2027 World Anti-Doping framework, with updated national anti-doping rules already adopted ahead of the new Code taking effect next year.

The development was presented during a joint session between the Council of Europe Monitoring Group of the Anti-Doping Convention (T-DO) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 3 September 2026 in Strasbourg.

The session formed part of the 63rd meeting of the Monitoring Group and was dedicated to the implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Programme. It included an update from WADA, presentations by States Parties and discussion on the actions required ahead of the transition to the new framework.

Azerbaijan’s contribution was presented by Dr Tahmina Taghi-zada, CEO of the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency (AMADA), who outlined the country’s progress in preparing for the 2027 framework.

During the exchange, Azerbaijan and Ireland were highlighted as early adopters, having already completed the adoption of updated anti-doping rules aligned with the forthcoming framework. The Azerbaijani presentation therefore shifted the discussion from future preparation to an example of implementation already under way.

The timing is significant. The revised 2027 World Anti-Doping Code becomes effective on 1 January 2027, while Signatories are required to modify their rules to incorporate the new Code by that date.

Early adoption allows more time for the next stage of implementation: harmonising national legislation, aligning operational procedures, adapting testing processes, preparing relevant stakeholders, updating education and communication, and ensuring that the revised rules can function effectively when the new global framework enters into force.

The Strasbourg discussion reflected a broader transition now taking place across the anti-doping system. With the development of the 2027 Code and International Standards largely complete, attention is increasingly moving towards national implementation and operational readiness.

For Azerbaijan, that transition is already under way.