Former anti-doping chief Richard Ings maintains Essendon players will be issued with infraction notices, with James Hird's return as senior coach next year still attracting the attention of sports authorities.

As World Anti-Doping Agency chief John Fahey prepares to unveil a series of changes to the anti-doping code that would result in the AFL being forced to act against coaches and support staff who use substances that are banned for their players, he has spoken about the Essendon peptides saga, which has a ''few chapters'' to play out.

James Hird. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

Hird was banned by the AFL for a year in August as part of a series of penalties handed to the Bombers and individual staff after the club pleaded guilty to bringing the game into disrepute. But an investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, which could yet conclude with infraction notices issued to players, continues.

In an interview on the ABC, Fahey, asked to comment about Hird being welcomed back by the Bombers after the 2014 season, replied: ''I don't know whether James Hird will be dealt with by ASADA. That's possible, before it's all over. So, again, what has happened in Essendon, or to Essendon, has been dealt with by the AFL under their rules. Nothing to do with ASADA's code or the rules I am responsible for as president of that body.