The AFL and NRL have been warned they would effectively be disowned by government if they sought to break away from World Anti-Doping Agency requirements and run their own tailor-made programs.

Federal Sports Minister Peter Dutton has outlined the government’s position at a time when the nation’s richest and most popular professional football codes are embroiled in damaging drug scandals that could lead to dozens of players and others, such as coaches, facing sanctions.

Federal Sports Minister Peter Dutton. Credit:Rohan Thomson

After an unprecedented 16-month investigation, the AFL and NRL cases remain in the hands of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, but WADA stands to have the ultimate say on how the players are dealt with.

Dutton said on Thursday the ‘‘integrity of sport requires” all Australian sporting codes remain WADA compliant. It would be a “double standard” if Australian sports broke away from WADA.