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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to hold a conference on the role of anti-doping and its deteriorating relationship with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The decision to hold the conference, that will feature sports federations, Olympic committees and athletes, was made earlier early last week, but was not publicly announced.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) acted after a formal request was made by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), the body which represents the 26 sports in the summer games.

ASOIF Vice President Pat McQuaid is also President of world cycling's world governing body UCI, which WADA has severely criticised and which is which is in damage control following the Lance Armstrong blood doping scandal.

Perhaps prompted by McQuaid, ASOIF President Ricci Bitti wrote to IOC President Jacques Rogge, stating "relations with WADA have deteriorated significantly and the lack of help and support from WADA against a background of constant media criticism of its sports 'partners' and the consequent breakdown of trust need to be addressed as a priority."

The move comes amid increased tension between the IOC and WADA, an organisation it created in 1999 to lead the international fight against the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The IOC and Olympic movement provide 50% of the agency's annual budget.

WADA has also criticised football and tennis for a perceived lack of testing but it appears that Olympic sports want WADA to take a less aggressive approach on sports doping.

ASOIF Director Andrew Ryan told the Associated Press "things have deteriorated into a war of words.

"Things have reached a low point.

"There is a real fear that if it goes any further, then the level of co-operation will go even lower. Let's take this opportunity and have a real look at it."

The conference will be held in April or May. 

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