The decree was issued In response to sanctions levied by WADA on Tuesday, including a ban on displaying the national flag at major sporting events, due to Tunisia's non-compliance with the code. In November, the agency granted Tunisia a four-month period to address its concerns following the executive committee's determination of non-compliance.

Last month, the committee determined that "the non-conformities were still not resolved". The Tunisian youth and sports ministry responded on Wednesday to the announcement of the sanctions, expressing its commitment to adhering to the World Anti-Doping Code and other international standards in sports.

The ministry urged for "expedited procedures in order to preserve the country’s best interests" ahead of this year's Paris Olympics and Paralympics. It reassured organisers of sporting competitions that it would soon make the required revisions "in accordance with the provisions of the legislative and regulatory texts of the Tunisian State".

Also deemed as "non-compliant" by WADA currently are the Angola National Olympic Committee, as of 14 February this year, and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency since 17 December 2020. The International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation has been non-compliant since late 2022.

Before the sanctions, Tunisia was placed on a "Watchlist" and given a four-month period to align its legal framework with the WADA Code. However, the country's sports authorities failed to fulfill their commitment.

Following the declaration of Tunisia as "non-compliant," WADA announced its final decision which takes immediate effect. Consequently, Tunisia will be barred from hosting regional or international sports events until it implements the World Anti-Doping Code, which harmonises anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations among sport companies and public authorities worldwide.

The Code aims to promote consistency among anti-doping organisations and includes a list of prohibited substances and methods. It also establishes international standards for testing and investigations, laboratory operations, therapeutic use exemptions, privacy protection, personal information, and results management.