Expressing a vote of confidence in the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, while also acknowledging the potential for WADA intervention, David Howman said the leaking of any confidential information in an anti-doping case was ‘‘regrettable and wrong’’. Howman added that he would ‘‘continue to watch with interest’’ investigations that to date appeared ‘‘pursuant’’ to the WADA code, but said it would be inappropriate to comment further given events are still unfolding.

Former New South Wales premier John Fahey, who finished a six-year term as WADA president in November, generated  headlines last year  with his comments on the biggest sports anti-doping matter Australia has confronted. In a broad-ranging interview with Fairfax Media, Fahey said he did not regret  his public commentary, even if it had put noses out of joint.

He made the general comment that there were sporting bodies all over the world paying ‘‘lip service’’ to anti-doping, but complimented the Australian Olympic Committee for being ‘‘top of the tree’’ in terms of vigilance.

‘‘It’s pretty clear in some sports that they would much prefer to see the money put into the development of promising young athletes – whether they’re footballers or runners or whatever – than to see it put into a more effective anti-doping program,’’  Fahey said. ‘‘The commitment and the words are always there. The application frequently lacks.

‘‘I can say there is a clear commitment from many sports to do something about doping, and there is lip service being paid by many others. They will do as little as they have to be seen as compliant and having the program, but they’re not effective.’’

Of the scandals that have engulfed Australia’s two richest and most popular football codes in the past year, Fahey said: ‘‘The whole world’s got their eyes on Australia.’’

Of AFL club Essendon, Fahey said he believed there was now ‘‘sufficient information’’ for infraction notices to be issued ‘‘against a number of people’’ over their involvement in the side’s 2011-12 supplements program.

After a 13-month probe, ASADA this week issued the sport scientist who designed the program, Stephen Dank, a show-cause letter for more than 30 alleged anti-doping rule breaches understood to relate entirely to his work  with the Bombers.

The  timing was lamented by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou on Friday. Demetriou told ABC radio it was unfortunate that it had occurred on the eve of a new football season and said it would be ‘‘unfair’’ if the issue overshadowed another year of competition.

Asked whether it was about time that ASADA closed in on Dank, Demetriou said: ‘‘Oh well, everyone’s been saying that. I mean, I think that’s a pretty common view.’’