The "law for the protection of athletes' health and the fight against doping" was passed in the Lower House of the Spanish Parliament will come into effect within 20 days and meets recommendations made by the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA).

"There is no question that it will add to our credibility," said Blanco, speaking here today where the three cities bidding to host the 2020 Games are due to make presentations to the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) on Saturday (May 15).

"We said would have a new anti-doping law in place before presenting the bid to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) members in July and that is what has happened.

"It's a law that meets all the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency and it is at the forefront of anti-doping legislation.

"The passing of this law is good news for Spanish sport.

"It's the news we've all been waiting for."

Spain has long had a reputation for being soft on drugs cheats and there was an international scandal last month when a judge in Madrid ordered the destruction of hundreds of bags of blood used by Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes in Operation Puerto, a doping ring that involved some of the world's top cyclists and allegedly top footballers and tennis players.

Among those allegedly involved was Alberto Contador, the two-time Tour de France winner, who was stripped of a third title in 2010 after testing positive for banned anabolic steroids, but who Madrid 2020 used in its presentation at SportAccord in St Petersburg last month.


"It strengthens the Madrid 2020 bid," Spain's Secretary of State for Sport, Miguel Cardenal, said in Parliament after the law was passed.

"Doping is no longer on the agenda as a concern for Madrid's candidacy.

"It is a determined step forward for Spain in the fight against those who do not respect the purity of sport.

"This law is the final link and the end of a process of adaptation to WADA [standards]."

The new law strengthens existing legislation with an increase in amounts available for fines and introduces the possibility of life bans.

"It is something that has been called for internationally, and brings our laws into line with the latest modifications in the world anti-doping code," ruling Popular Party member Antonio Roman said.

"[Not having the law] had a negative effect on the Madrid 2016 candidacy and it should not return to happen again with Madrid 2020 or the Barcelona bid for the Winter Games of 2022."

The law will see the creation of a new body to replace the Spanish anti-doping agency (AEA).

The Spanish Agency for the Protection of Health in Sport will be an independent organisation responsible for managing and carrying out doping tests around the clock.

It will also administer punishments nationally, raise fines and be able to suspend licences.

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