WADA: National anthems but no 'official' flags for Indonesia, Thailand

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed that the national flags of Indonesia and Thailand cannot be 'officially' displayed at MotoGP, WorldSBK, F1 or other major motor racing events until 'non-compliance' has been lifted.

WADA told Crash.net that the official flag ban, which includes podium ('medal') ceremonies and applies 'immediately to any Thai/Indonesian athlete/driver and/or team', is among the consequences of being ruled non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code.

However, both national anthems can still be played at the events in question, which range from regional to world championship level.

Thailand's National Anti-Doping Organization was judged non-compliant due to, "the lack of full implementation of the 2021 version of the [WADA] Code within their legal system".

Indonesia's verdict was, "a result of non-conformities in implementing an effective testing program", which the country's Minister for Youth and Sport said was caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. North Korea was the only other national organisation placed on the non-compliance list.

The wide-ranging 'consequences' for non-compliance includes a ban on being 'awarded the right to host regional, continental or world championships'. However, the upcoming Mandalika WorldSBK (November) and MotoGP (March) events plus next October's Buriram MotoGP round can still go ahead. "If events have already been awarded, then they may remain as hosts," WADA previously told Crash.net.

While individual competitors from Indonesia and Thailand will also not have their racing activities restricted by non-compliance, the WADA rules state: 'The Signatories’ countries’ flags will not be flown at regional, continental or world championships, or events, organized by Major Event Organizations, other than at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, for the next edition of that event or until reinstatement, whichever is longer.'

Quizzed on how this flag ban applies to motorsport and specifically the podium ceremony, also including national anthems, a WADA spokesperson told Crash.net: "The consequences do not apply to national anthems.

"As it relates to the flags, the consequences shall be limited to official display of flags by the event organizer in the venue/arena/stadium where a regional, continental or world championship is taking place – whether those displays are for the duration of the event or for a specific part of the event such as medal, opening or closing ceremonies or other protocol elements.

"These consequences would apply immediately to any Thai/Indonesian athlete/driver and/or team participating in any of the championships mentioned above taking place."

Both Indonesia and Thailand say they are trying to work with WADA towards 'reinstatement' as soon as possible without which, it seems, their flags cannot be officially flown at any MotoGP or WorldSBK rounds (including the home Mandalika/Buriram events) or at any podium ceremony featuring their riders from regional racing upwards.

In the MotoGP paddock, Thailand's Somkiat Chantra currently competes in Moto2 and Indonesia's Andi Farid Izdihar in Moto3. The Gresini Moto3 and Moto2 teams also have title sponsorship from Indonesia, with the Mandalika circuit the official partner of the SAG Moto2 team.

The FIM, MotoGP's governing body, and FIA (F1) are among those to have accepted the World Anti-Doping Code, which 'harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations'.