Sports

US Withholds Funding to WADA, Demands Reforms

Thursday 09 January 2025 - 13:30

The United States has decided to withhold a payment of $3.6 million in dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for its failure to conduct an independent audit of its operations, according to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

USADA's CEO, Travis Tygart, expressed full support for the decision, calling it the "only right choice" to safeguard athletes’ rights, fairness, and accountability in competition. WADA’s operating budget for 2025 is set at $57.5 million, with the US government’s owed dues amounting to $3.625 million.

This move follows WADA’s controversial handling of doping tests involving 23 Chinese swimmers who were later allowed to compete despite positive results. Tygart stated that WADA’s leadership had failed to meet reasonable requests for reforms, such as an independent audit, which would ensure transparency and accountability in the agency’s operations. He emphasized that significant changes at WADA are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure fair competition for athletes.

In response, WADA acknowledged the non-payment and confirmed that US representatives would not be eligible to sit on the WADA Executive Board for 2025 due to the unpaid dues. Under WADA's statutes, representatives from countries that do not pay their dues lose their board seats automatically at the beginning of each year.

Despite the US withholding payments, Tygart assured that it would not affect US athletes’ participation in global events. He affirmed that the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will continue to enforce anti-doping regulations to protect the rights of US Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Tygart stressed the need for a strong and independent WADA and reiterated the importance of a fair and transparent global anti-doping system. He also pointed out the significance of ensuring clean competition in upcoming major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.