The United States is once again threatening to withhold funding from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), raising concerns about the integrity of international sports and the future of the Olympic Games. A new bill proposed in the U.S. Congress during the Paris Olympics could allow the country’s drug control authority to defund WADA, a move that may undermine fair play and jeopardize Salt Lake City’s bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.
As of July 19, the U.S. has not paid any of its $3.6 million obligations for 2024, according to an official WADA report. In contrast, countries like China, Canada, and most European nations have fulfilled their commitments. The U.S. government is WADA’s largest public authority contributor, accounting for approximately 7.25% of WADA’s nearly $50 million core funding.
This is not the first time the U.S. has threatened to defund WADA. In 2020, the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy recommended withholding funding unless the country was granted greater representation within the agency. WADA warned that such actions could result in U.S. athletes being barred from the Olympics, as compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code enforced by WADA is mandatory for participation.
The latest financial threats stem from U.S. investigations into World Aquatics regarding 23 Chinese swimmers, despite the cases having been previously cleared. The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations stated that this “may lead international federations to consider the risks of allocating future international events to the U.S.”
Salt Lake City has been selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, but organizers must address concerns over the U.S. government’s interference in doping investigations and demonstrate respect for WADA’s authority. Critics argue that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is applying double standards by allowing domestic athletes who tested positive for banned substances to continue competing under confidentiality agreements, violating both its own rules and those of WADA.
The ongoing tensions highlight the complex relationship between national interests and global sports governance. Entrepreneurs, investors, and sports enthusiasts are watching closely, as the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for international athletic competitions and economic opportunities related to the Olympics.
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U.S. keeps threatening world anti-doping authorities with defunding
cgtn.com
