The Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency has reunited for the first time this year Thursday. The suspension of the contribution from the United States was notably mentioned. Unhappy with the handling of the Chinese swimmers' file, the country has not paid the 3,6 million dollars expected in 2024. This will not be without consequences. "The Executive Committee expressed its concern about declining WADA funding for 2024 due to the refusal of funding by the previous US administration, explains the press release published by the organization. A significant reduction in contributions ultimately penalizes the global anti-doping system by forcing the AMA to reduce its operational activities.It is therefore essential for the protection of athletes to preserve this model of solidarity in order to guarantee WADA's budget and allow the Agency to fulfill its mission."
The Executive Committee also approved the creation of a working group on contamination. It will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive study of the sources of contamination leading to adverse analytical findings and anti-doping rule violations. It will also provide advice and recommendations on potential improvements to the regulations and processes to better address the risk of such contamination, while maintaining an effective anti-doping system. "As the cases of the Chinese swimmers and several other cases have recently highlighted, the problem of contamination is real and growing, insists WADA President Witold Bańka. We are increasingly seeing people who test positive claiming they are infected. Our challenge is to distinguish between cases of genuine infection and those who are dishonestly trying to use it to avoid punishment. It is a delicate balance. This new task force will help us chart the way forward."
