Norwegian club demands change after artificial pitch causes player to fail doping test

Norwegian club Valerenga have urged global anti-doping authorities to modernise their regulations.

The call for change comes after an extraordinary case in which a banned stimulant had leached from an artificial pitch and caused a failed drug test for one of their women’s team players.

The seven-month saga reached its conclusion on Wednesday, when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided not to appeal Anti-Doping Norway’s ruling that the player was not at fault.

It closes a landmark case, but one that exposes a growing concern around environmental contamination from synthetic surfaces for elite and grassroots football.

The story began after Valerenga’s away match against LSK Kvinner on April 22, when routine testing found traces of the prohibited stimulant DMBA in samples from four players on each side.

One test from a Valerenga player exceeded WADA’s 50 ng/ml reporting threshold, sparking a baffling investigation.

The players did not share supplements, food, or drinks, so players and club staff were stunned.

The player, who remains anonymous, told the Guardian that it was a terrible moment when she recalled the shock of being informed she was facing a potential violation.

She admitted it affected her performances when the inquiry dragged on.

Investigators made a breakthrough in July after months of trying to get to the root of the matter.

Water and material samples from inside LSK-Hallen revealed that shredded tyre granulate, known as rubber crumb, had broken down, releasing DMBA.

It was then transferred to players during the match.

DMBA is a stimulant banned in Norway and the European Union. Studies have shown that it occurs in such rubber-based materials.

While the substance poses no known health threat, its presence has triggered alarm.

Norway has around 1,800 artificial pitches, and the EU will ban rubber crumb infill from 2031. The Norwegian FA has already recommended moving indoor competitive fixtures outdoors.

Valerenga now want anti-doping rules to adapt to the environmental risks.

Under Wada’s strict liability principle, athletes are responsible for any trace of banned substances in their bodies, regardless of intent.

Valerenga CEO Harriet Rudd says cases like this show how outdated that framework has become.

For the exonerated player, the relief is immense, but the worry remains. “If the source hadn’t been found, my career could have been over,” she said. “Innocent athletes need stronger protection.”