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The conflict between the United States and the anti-doping organization Wada could lead to American athletes being unable to compete in the Olympics, Wada says. – Illegally threatening American athletes is shameful, Usada boss Travis Tygart is furious.
If Wada prevents the United States from participating in the Olympics next year, there will be no new title for basketball star Kevin Durant. Stock Photography.
The conflict between Wada and the United States began earlier this summer when the White House released a report judging that Wada had not done enough against Russia, which was revealed in 2015 with extensive, state-supported doping.
The United States, which is the largest national contributor to Wada with the equivalent of approximately SEK 24 million out of a total of SEK 327 million, threatened to withdraw all support for Wada.
Wada responds with a threat of new rules that would mean that nations that do not contribute financially to Wada cannot send their athletes to international competitions.
“Several governments around the world have been surprised by the threat from the United States and want us to consider changing the rules so that nations that do not pay do not meet the requirements to join,” Wada chairman Witold Bank told Reuters.
– It may have repercussions for the assets of those countries, including participation in major international competitions.
The head of the US anti-doping organization Usada, Travis Tygart, believes that Wada’s threats are empty and illegal.
“Threatening the assets of a country when it is Wada who has failed in his job is quite remarkable and disappointing,” Tygart told Reuters.
– It is a shame to make illegal threats against American athletes. Instead, Wada should try to repair the damage so that he becomes what the world wants him to be: strong and independent. Something is wrong when the world organization attacks one of its key partners who does everything possible to uphold the rules and does not see countries like Russia that have state-sponsored doping programs. It is incredible hypocrisy.
According to the report released by the White House in June, it was proposed that the United States would not pay its fee until the United States had greater representation on Wada’s boards and committees: “a proportionate voice in decision-making,” writes Reuters.
Wada accuses the United States of political blackmail.
– Now is a critical time for anti-doping work and we need unity and not division. I can guarantee that under my leadership, Wada will not be part of a political game. If Wada has made a mistake, I can admit it, but I will not allow Wada to be blackmailed or undermine our position as a global watchdog, says Banka.
