The Court of Arbitration for Sport has announced its decision on the World Anti Doping Authority’s appeal is expected to be handed down in the week commencing 11^th January, 2016.

WADA is appealing the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal’s decision that ruled 34 current and former Essendon players did not commit an anti-doping rule violation.

The CAS panel has been deliberating since a hearing was held in Sydney in November.

“We’re glad we now have some greater clarity surrounding the end date to this process,” Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell said.

“This has been a very difficult period for the players and their families and also more broadly for our fans. 

“We now await confirmation of an exact date for the decision early in the new year."