The laboratory, which had been temporarily suspended in 2016, can therefore not analyse samples from federations or sports organisations that have signed the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA said.

Portugal’s secretary of state of youth and sports, João Paulo Rebelo, told Lusa they may appeal against the WADA decision.

"We were somewhat surprised because we had done everything that needed doing. We are considering whether to take this to the Sports Arbitration Court because we believe we have right on our side", he said.

A WADA communiqué stated that it was unsatisfied with the results of an inspection ordered to “ensure the full reliability and accuracy of anti-doping analyses and the accurate reporting of results ".

The Lisbon Laboratory was suspended on 15 April 2016 for six months and this suspension was later extended to one year.