On 18/3, WADA announced a delay in its decision regarding a proposal to ban government officials from international sporting events if their nation does not contribute financially to the anti-doping agency. This move was made to avoid a potential confrontation with the United States, particularly concerning former President Donald Trump, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The United States has not made financial contributions to WADA since 2023. Should this situation persist, the new regulation could place President Donald Trump and US lawmakers on a banned list for Olympic Games held on home soil. However, questions remain about WADA's ability to enforce such a ban on high-ranking officials. If approved later this year, the regulation could take effect before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

US President Donald Trump with the World Cup trophy. Photo: AP

The dispute between the United States and WADA is not clearly partisan, as Washington has halted contributions during two phases, under both Mr. Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden. For the two years 2024-2025, the United States withheld a total of 7,3 million USD to protest WADA's handling of a case involving Chinese swimmers and other issues.

Following a meeting of WADA's executive board, the agency stated it would review the new regulation in September, two months after the World Cup concludes. This year's tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. WADA Director General Olivier Niggli emphasized that governments ceasing contributions for political or voluntary reasons is a concerning issue. "Financial instability directly affects the operations and development of the global anti-doping program. Ultimately, the athletes worldwide are the ones most negatively impacted", he said.

WADA stated it has been studying this issue since 2020, when the United States first threatened to cut funding, but affirmed that the proposal is not solely aimed at Washington. Previously, WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald stated that the proposed regulation would not apply retroactively, meaning events like the World Cup or Los Angeles Olympics would not be affected. However, the draft accessed by the US news agency AP did not contain this provision, and WADA has not provided further clarification.

In 2024, Rahul Gupta, then the US representative on WADA's executive board, led efforts to oppose the proposal. Subsequently, the United States lost its seat on the agency. The proposal was reintroduced earlier this year, and WADA believes it can be adopted "without unnecessary delay". According to procedure, all decisions by the executive board require ratification by WADA's foundation board. The agency's next meeting is scheduled for November, though it could be convened earlier.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN)