U.S. Withholds $3.6M WADA Funding, Disqualifies Rahul Gupta Over Chinese Swimmers Case

Jan 9, 2025, 01:43 AM

The United States government has withheld its 2024 funding of $3.6 million to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), citing dissatisfaction with the organization's handling of doping cases, particularly involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance in 2021 but were allowed to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has expressed full support for the decision, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability, including demands for an independent audit of WADA's operations. The withheld funding, which represents approximately 6% of WADA's $57.5 million annual budget, has led to the automatic disqualification of U.S. representatives, including Rahul Gupta, from WADA's executive board and foundation board. WADA has defended its actions, stating that an independent investigation found no mishandling of the Chinese swimmers' cases. The Rodchenkov Act, which allows the U.S. to prosecute international doping conspiracies, has also been a source of tension. The dispute underscores growing tensions between the U.S. and WADA over governance and anti-doping enforcement, with potential implications for upcoming major international sporting events hosted by the U.S., including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.