No one fell off their chair when they heard the re-election of Witold Banka as president of the World Anti-Doping AgencyThe Pole, the only candidate, will begin his third and final term, as stipulated by the rules, on January 1st. He will definitively hand in his apron in December 2028, after nine years at the helm of the WADA. A record since among his predecessors, Dick Pound remained in office for eight years and 52 days (1999-2007), while John Fahey (2008-2013) and Craig Reedie (2014-2019) led the institution for six years. A longevity that raises eyebrows, particularly in the United States.
“A coronation” more than an election
Once the result was official, the US Anti-Doping Agency immediately targeted the agency on social networks, by sharing an article titled How democratic elections are being prevented at WADA. This reports in particular that the Dutchman Chiel Warners, a former decathlete, has given up running because of the eligibility criteria, which are difficult to meet. WADA first promises governance reforms after the Russian anti-doping scandal, then quietly changes the rules the second the world looks away. Not only has WADA accepted an unprecedented third term for the current government-sport-appointed president and vice-president, but it has also made a mockery of true independence by further protecting incumbents, using sport to block a viable candidate, and turning the election into a coronation., USADA lashes out.
With this election, WADA has pulled the ultimate 'bait and switch', first promising governance reforms following the Russian anti-doping scandal and then quietly changing the rules the second the world looked away. Not only did WADA agree to an unprecedented third term for the… pic.twitter.com/MlUQ9C5rsF
- USED (@usantidoping) May 28, 2025
The United States has increased its criticism of WADA since the Chinese swimmers affair, despite an independent investigation that cleared the agency. "Athlete and public confidence in the global anti-doping system is at its lowest level in 25 years due to WADA's inconsistent and uneven application of the rules in swimming cases in China and elsewhere." ", underlines the USADA. The United States has suspended its financial contribution and reiterated their intention to not give up until WADA undertakes far-reaching reforms. However, the time does not seem favorable for a calm discussion, and Witold Banka has also made this clear.
Politicization and conspiracy theories
The Pole responded to the criticism at the press conference following his re-election and that of his vice-president, Yang Yang. "The politicization of the fight against doping is very worrying, he commented. We are seeing more and more attempts to politicize the anti-doping environment. There is no room for politics or turf wars in the fight for clean sport. USADA President, Travis Tygart, took a beating : "We are open to cooperation, including with the White House authorities. We have repeatedly said that we must work hand in hand in the interests of American athletes, but it is difficult to work with Mr. Tygart. »
« He always finds a reason to attack WADA, so it's difficult to work with someone who believes in conspiracy theories, including the one that we helped cover up the positive doping tests of 23 Chinese swimmers. He doesn't do anything in the interest of the fight against doping; he just travels the world attacking WADA. ", laments Witold Banka, who knows perfectly well that USADA will not give him any gifts and will monitor his every move to put pressure on him. The perspective of Enhanced Games, a competition that both entities agree to condemn, will perhaps facilitate the return of a more peaceful dialogue. The issues related to Los Angeles 2028 and Salt Lake City 2034 as well.
