The World Anti-Doping Agency says it remains financially strong despite the US withholding its annual dues for a second consecutive year, demanding an independent audit.
THE United States has withheld its USD 3.6 million annual dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency for a second consecutive year.
An appropriations bill signed into law this week confirmed the move and included language demanding an independent audit of WADA, following concerns over Chinese influence.
In a statement, WADA said it remains financially strong despite the withheld funds. “Clearly, it is not ideal when a government voluntarily withholds its dues,” WADA said.
“However, additional contributions from other public authorities around the world have substantially mitigated the negative impact.”
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The US law states funding will only be renewed after receiving results of an audit demonstrating WADA’s committees are operating consistently with their duties.
This follows the 2021 controversy where 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive but were not suspended after Chinese authorities claimed food contamination.
An independent investigation later cleared WADA’s conduct in that affair.
WADA fired back at the US move, stating that contributions are not conditional. “If every government attached conditions to its WADA dues, it would lead to chaos,” the agency said.
It noted its financial statements are independently audited annually by PWC and that it has a dedicated risk and audit committee.
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy director Sara Carter said the US demands more. “The United States will not be bullied or manipulated into paying dues to WADA until such is achieved,” Carter told The Athletic.
WADA said it congratulated Carter on her recent appointment and looks forward to working with her team. “The truth is WADA stands ready to work with all parties in the US,” it added.
WADA president Witold Banka met US Olympic and Paralympic Committee chief Gene Sykes this week for what was described as a “very positive discussion”.
The agency also noted that organisers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and US anti-doping laboratories, including the US Anti-Doping Agency, have said they can work with WADA.
“Within USADA, WADA has good working relationships at the expert and operational levels,” the statement concluded.
