In a statement, the IMMAF - which is taking legal action after WADA turned down its bid to become a code signatory - said the hearing would be held at the Tribunal d’Arrondissement in Lausanne on next Thursday (January 14).

A hearing scheduled for September was postponed after the IMMAF and WADA agreed to delay it for up to four months.

IMMAF chief executive Densign White claimed WADA had asked for a further five-month extension, which was "unanimously rejected" by its Board of Directors.

White said the IMMAF not being a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code was damaging the sport.

The IMMAF claim its application has been turned down by WADA because the IMMAF is not recognised by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).

IMMAF have been trying for over two years to join GAISF and has threatened legal action if it continues to be rejected.

"We regret that we have to take legal action, but it seems to be the only way to force this issue," White said.

"WADA should be a fully independent body, but maintain that they need a green light from GAISF to accept IMMAF as a signatory. 

"We continue to wait for GAISF to consider our application for observer status. 

"As a WADA code-compliant sport, we should also be a WADA signatory. 

"Without this status, IMMAF sanctions are easily bypassed to the detriment of our athletes, their safety and clean sport."