Whistleblowers submitted 185 reports of suspected doping to UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) during 2025, highlighting the growing role of citizen oversight in maintaining the integrity of sport. These reports, covering 25 different sports, represent the second-highest annual total since Ukad launched its Protect Your Sport whistleblowing initiative in 2020. Only 2024, with 211 reports, recorded more.

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Whistleblower Reports Lead to Anti-Doping Charges

The reports received by Ukad in 2025 were instrumental in bringing two individuals to account for anti-doping rule violations, demonstrating the practical impact of citizen-led reporting on UK sport. In total, 15 athletes or personnel were sanctioned for anti-doping violations across the country last year.

Mario Theophanous, head of intelligence and investigations at Ukad, emphasized the significance of the initiative:

“Seeing yet another year of consistently high reports coming in has been positive. It shows that individuals feel safe coming to us and that they want to protect the integrity of their sport.”

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New Reporting Channels Drive Engagement

Since 2024, Ukad has introduced WhatsApp and SMS reporting channels, allowing whistleblowers to submit concerns in real time while ensuring complete anonymity. Investigators can respond directly to queries without ever accessing the whistleblower’s name or phone number.

“Introducing WhatsApp and SMS has been incredibly valuable,” Theophanous added.
“It’s rapidly becoming one of our most used platforms for reporting doping suspicions and allows us to ask additional questions if required, all whilst maintaining the person’s anonymity.”

These digital channels have made reporting simpler, safer, and faster, helping Ukad respond immediately to potential threats to fair play.

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Ukad’s Commitment to Protecting Sport

Looking forward, Ukad plans to expand and improve resources for whistleblowers in 2026. The organisation aims to reduce barriers to reporting, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and support staff feel confident in coming forward with information that can disrupt doping practices.

“Throughout 2026, we will continue our efforts to provide new resources and tools that help reduce barriers to reporting, because the information we receive can be vital in helping us to disrupt and deny doping in sport,” Theophanous said.

The Protect Your Sport initiative has become a key pillar in Ukad’s wider mission to safeguard integrity, fairness, and transparency in UK sport, complementing regular testing, investigations, and education programs.

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Key Facts

• 185 whistleblower reports received in 2025 across 25 sports
• Second-highest total since the scheme’s 2020 launch
• Two individuals charged as a result of whistleblower reports
• 15 UK athletes/personnel sanctioned for anti-doping violations in 2025
• WhatsApp and SMS reporting channels now widely used
• Ukad continues to expand resources to encourage anonymous reporting