World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) officials at the Foundation Board meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2024 Photo: courtesy of WADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed to the Global Times on Thursday that it did not receive the agreed contribution to WADA's 2024 budget from the US. This automatically disqualifies the US representatives in WADA's executive board.

"Under Article 6.6 of the WADA Statutes, Public Authority representatives from a country which has not paid its dues are ineligible to sit on the Foundation Board or the Executive Committee," WADA said in a statement to the Global Times addressing the US' withholding of the payment.

"Therefore, on 1 January of each year, any Foundation Board or Executive Committee member representing a country that has not paid its annual contribution for the previous year automatically loses their seat."

Previously, Rahul Gupta, director of the US Office of National Drug Control Policy, served as the Americas Representative on WADA's Executive Committee, WADA's website showed.

The outstanding amount of $3.625 million by the US was due by December 31, 2024, with WADA's overall budget for 2025 having been approved at $57.5 million, WADA's statement reads.

The US Anti-Doping Agency said in a statement on Wednesday that the White House has withheld its 2024 dues payment to WADA.

The feud between WADA and the US Anti-Doping Agency arose from the trimetazidine contamination cases involving 23 Chinese swimmers. 

WADA has cleared the Chinese athletes of any wrongdoing, and an independent prosecutor found no evidence of bias on WADA's part. However, the US has continued to question the integrity of WADA's handling of the matter.

Jiang Xi, a professor from the Institute of Sports Law at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said this action is not entirely unexpected. 

"The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) first raised concerns about the lack of US representation on WADA's executive board and committees back in 2020," Jiang told the Global Times on Thursday. 

Jiang also pointed out that this decision could be a bargaining tactic aimed at strengthening the US's position in future negotiations with WADA. 

"The US is leveraging its financial contribution to WADA to push for changes in WADA's governance structure," Jiang noted. "This reflects a broader strategy of using financial influence to secure greater presence and voice within international organizations."

While the US anti-doping agency has emphasized that its domestic anti-doping efforts will remain "unaffected," Jiang highlighted the potential long-term implications. 

"By forfeiting its seat on WADA's executive board, the US risks losing influence in WADA's decision-making processes, which could weaken its voice in shaping global anti-doping policies," Jiang told the Global Times. 

"The prolonged financial disputes or reduced cooperation with WADA could undermine the US' standing in global anti-doping affairs and hinder international collaboration," Jiang said. 

When the Salt Lake City won the 2034 Winter Olympics bid in July, a clause with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requires the local organizing committee to protect WADA's supreme authority in global anti-doping.

It remains unclear whether the US withholding the due contribution will impact the hosting of the Games in the city.

"If the US continues to confront WADA without reaching an agreement, the IOC may question or exert pressure on the Salt Lake City bid or its preparation efforts, urging US institutions to address the issue [of fully respect the supreme authority of WADA in global anti-doping]," Jiang said.

"The IOC holds significant leverage through clauses in the Host City Contract to ensure compliance with international anti-doping standards."