US Halts $3.6 Million Payment to WADA Over Doping Scandal and Transparency Concerns

The Biden administration withholds funding, citing the World Anti-Doping Agency's handling of Chinese doping cases and lack of accountability reforms.

The United States has withheld its $3.6 million annual contribution to WADA, representing 6% of the agency's budget, after missing the December 31, 2024, payment deadline.
The decision follows WADA's controversial handling of doping cases involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but were cleared to compete.
US officials, including the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), criticized WADA for failing to conduct an independent audit and for lacking transparency and accountability in its operations.
As a result of the non-payment, US representatives have lost their seats on WADA's foundation board and executive committee for 2025, per the agency's statutes.
The move raises tensions between the US and global sports organizations, with potential implications for upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.