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The Biden administration is delaying the U.S. contribution to the World Anti-Doping Agency until an external audit is allowed, following a decision by the agency not to suspend Chinese swimmers for failing drug tests.
Written by Michael S. Schmidt and Tariq Panja
The Biden administration is delaying the yearly U.S. payment to the World Anti-Doping Agency in order to push for reforms following reports that the organization did not take action against top Chinese swimmers who failed drug tests. This information comes from two individuals who are familiar with the situation.
The White House has instructed the agency to increase accountability and transparency. They have also requested a comprehensive external audit of its operations, which have been closely examined due to the agency’s lack of action against China in cases of suspected doping.
Under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Gupta, who heads the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the administration is advocating for restrictions on WADA’s use of American taxpayer funds to take legal action against U.S. organizations, such as American antidoping authorities, who were sued for defamation by WADA.
WADA is an international organization that monitors and enforces regulations on the use of prohibited substances, such as performance-enhancing drugs, in sports competitions like the Olympics. They have a history of resisting external scrutiny.
WADA has refuted claims of mishandling positive tests and dismissed criticism from the United States as being driven by political motives. A representative from the organization stated that there is no mechanism in place within WADA’s structure for a government to withhold its funding based on its own terms.
Officials in charge of antidoping are concerned that if the current White House does not provide the funding before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office in January, it could have serious consequences for WADA and the funding may not be received. The previous administration under Mr. Trump was more strict towards WADA and China compared to the current Biden administration.
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