A panel of U.S. officials and experts urged a Senate subcommittee Tuesday to keep pressure on the World Anti-Doping Agency, saying the organization needs to make significant reforms to show it is not compromised by Chinese influence and money. The officials highlighted concerns that WADA’s governance structure and financial dependencies could undermine its ability to enforce doping regulations fairly and transparently.
The call for reform follows a series of reports suggesting that Chinese officials have exerted significant influence over WADA’s decision-making processes. Critics argue that this influence could lead to biased outcomes in international doping investigations, particularly concerning athletes from nations with close ties to China.
Senate committee members have been increasingly vocal about the need for WADA to demonstrate accountability and independence. Some lawmakers have proposed legislation that would mandate stricter oversight of WADA’s financial practices and political affiliations. The debate has intensified as global sports organizations face mounting pressure to ensure equitable enforcement of anti-doping rules.