A verdict in the Federal Court battle between ASADA and AFL club Essendon will be handed down this week.

The Bombers have challenged the legal basis of show-cause notices issued by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority alleging doping by 34 current and former players.

In a three-day hearing in August, Essendon argued the anti-doping body acted beyond its legal powers in its investigation of the club’s 2012 supplements program.

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Coach James Hird, whose 12-month suspension recently concluded, is also challenging ASADA’s right to issue the notices.

Justice John Middleton will deliver his ruling in Melbourne at 1.30pm (AEST) on Friday.

Essendon says ASADA should never have conducted a joint investigation with the AFL.

During the hearing, ASADA counsel Tom Howe QC said it would create a “nonsense on stilts” situation if the body was unable to act in accordance with its stated aims.

ASADA has said it will reissue doping allegations against Essendon players if Justice Middleton rules against it.