American Football

American football is a sport with notable doping cases, with 206 registered cases (1.4% of all violations). Canada leads in violations with 60 cases, while Cocaine is the most frequently detected substance (23 cases). The average suspension length is 24.2 months. American football ranks #13 globally among all sports tracked by the Anti-Doping Database..

Number of cases in American Football Last 10 Years

International Federation of American Football

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Sport Global Ranking
Global Ranking: #13 of 178 sports

206

American Football cases

1.4%

Of all violations

14,670

Total global cases
American Football's share of all violations 1.4%
206 of 14,670

American Football has the most violations in anti-doping rule violations globally, with 206 registered cases1.4% of all 14,670 verified cases in the Anti-Doping Database. Based on verified cases in the Anti-Doping Database.

Number of cases in American Football By Country
Top Country: Canada

60

Canada cases

29.1%

Of global cases

206

Total American football cases
Canada's share of American football violations 29.1%
60 of 206

Canada leads in American football with 60 registered violations, accounting for over one-fifth of all violations. This represents 29.1% of the sport's 206 total cases globally.

The average suspension length for sanctioned American football athletes in Canada is 24.2 months, shorter than the global average of 30.1 months.

Substance use in American Football
Most Detected Substance: Cocaine

23

American football cases

11.2%

Of sport cases

266

Global Cocaine cases
Cocaine's share of American football violations 11.2%
23 of 206

Cocaine has the most violations in American football with 23 violations out of 206 total cases (11.2%). Though cases are more evenly distributed globally.

Globally, Cocaine has been detected in 266 cases across all sports, ranking #19 among all prohibited substances.

The average suspension length for Cocaine violations is 25.2 months, shorter than the global average of 30.1 months.



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Number of Active Sanctions Ending Year for American Football
Gender Distribution
Male 99.5
205 cases
Female 0.5
1 cases
Analysis: American football has a notably higher proportion of male cases (99.5%) compared to the global average (80.2%), a difference of 19.3 percentage points. Global average: 80.2% male, 19.8% female

About International Federation of American Football

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is the international governing body for American football. It was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA.

IFAF organizes various international competitions, including the International Federation of American Football World Championship. It also oversees the sport's development and promotion worldwide.

IFAF works to grow the sport of American football globally, increase its popularity, and ensure fair play and safety for athletes.

Current Leadership

  • President: Pierre Trochet
  • Managing Director: Andy Fuller

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The Anti-Doping Database currently contains 14,670 verified anti-doping rule violations across all sports and all countries, and is updated regularly.