Dom Taylor Faces Severe Sanctions After Failed Drugs Test, Stripped of Prize Money

Darts player Dom Taylor has been handed a ban from all Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events and had his World Darts Championship prize money revoked following a failed drugs test. The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) confirmed the suspension, which comes after an "adverse analytical finding" from a test conducted on December 14.

Key Takeaways

• Dom Taylor banned from all PDC events.
• Stripped of his World Darts Championship prize money.
• Ranks outside the top 64 on the PDC Order of Merit, losing his tour card.
• Previously served a ban for a failed drugs test in November 2024.

Suspension And Consequences

The 27-year-old Englishman’s suspension took effect immediately after the DRA was notified on December 19. This ruling means Taylor will be unable to participate in any DRA-regulated events. The DRA stated that the matter would proceed to a disciplinary process in accordance with their Anti-Doping Rules, and no further comment would be made pending the outcome.

Financial and Ranking Impact

Following the conclusion of the World Championship, Taylor’s £25,000 prize money from the event has been removed from the PDC Order of Merit. This deduction has caused his ranking to fall to 68th, placing him outside the crucial top 64 that guarantees a one-year PDC tour card. This effectively means he will lose his professional status for the upcoming season.

Previous Ban and Apology

This is not the first time Taylor has faced sanctions for a failed drugs test. Earlier this year, he served a one-month ban after a positive test at the Players Championship Finals in November 2024. That ban was initially set for two years but was reduced after he agreed to a UKAD-approved three-month Substance of Abuse treatment program.

Taylor has since issued an apology on his Facebook page, expressing remorse for his actions and admitting to "blatant lying" in his post-match interview after his first-round victory at the World Championship. He cited personal traumas as contributing factors and pledged to seek the help he needs. He also confirmed he had completed the required treatment and sanctions from his previous ban.