WADA has reportedly issued a letter to the commission, which is independent of the AFLD, ordering it to "change its behaviour", as reported by the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Should the commission fail to do so, WADA has warned that it could lead to possible sanctions or start a procedure to potentially withdraw its compliance.

The warning comes with little more than 300 days to go before the Olympic Games are scheduled to open in Paris.

According to AFP, WADA highlighted three decisions which it accused the commission of "not being tough enough" and ruled that it was "clearly not conforming either to the World Anti-Doping Code or to the case law of the Court of Arbitration".

"If this trend of rendering decisions that are manifestly inconsistent with the Code and CAS case law were to continue, the WADA Legal Affairs Department would have no other choice than to refer this matter to its internal compliance working group for consideration, so that any appropriate action can be taken," WADA wrote in a letter reported by Francs Jeux.

The Sanctions Commission, which was set up in 2018 as part of governance reforms by the AFLD, said it had "learned with amazement of this incredible attempt at pressure" and accused WADA of "real blackmail".

"It is threatening to initiate proceedings which could result in French athletes being banned from participating in certain international competitions, including the Olympic Games, and to ban France from hosting such competitions," a statement from the AFLD read in a report by AFP.

"Since its creation the disciplinary commission has taken several hundred decisions, none of which were contested by WADA."

WADA told insidethegames that the letter to the AFLD was part of the "normal process".

"WADA is the global governing body for anti-doping in sport and a significant part of our job is ensuring that all Signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code implement it consistently and fairly for all athletes," a statement from WADA read.

"Without that consistency across the world there can be no harmonised anti-doping system. 

"This approach is supported through legislation by Governments all over the world, including in France. 

"Where WADA has concerns that any Code Signatory may be falling short of their obligations it will intervene on behalf of athletes and all other stakeholders in order to ensure consistency is delivered and justice is served. 

"The letter sent by WADA to the AFLD is part of that normal process."