Anti-doping / AMA: the threat of a withdrawal of American funding could encourage a reform, according to the USADA - France 24

New York (AFP)

Director of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, hopes that the threat of withdrawal by the American government of funding for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will lead the world regulator to carry out long-awaited reforms .

The United States may soon stop contributing $ 2.7 million annually to WADA after the White House-led Bureau of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) obtained a authorization in this sense of a key committee of the American Congress.

This authorization came only a few weeks after an explosive report from the ONDCP recommending that American funding for AMA be suspended if the agency did not implement governance reforms.

WADA had refuted the ONDCP's conclusions, accusing it of presenting "many inaccuracies, misconceptions and lies".

The director of the USADA, Travis Tygart, however defended the analysis of the ONDCP, describing it as "absolutely exact" and painting "a realistic and apolitical picture".

"The ONDCP asked that the athletes have a voice, that their independence be assured at the negotiating table with the withdrawal of the sports federations from governance, as well as a fair representation," Tygart summed up to AFP.

"The positive is that the United States is really serious about reform and is ready to seek the authority of Congress to block the money. It would have a devastating impact on WADA. No one wants this to happen. happen, "he added.

"But the promises of reform have not been kept. The athletes are frustrated and the governments that are attentive are too," pointed out the American leader, often opposed to the functioning of WADA.

- "A system that failed"

Tygart pointed out that USADA is ready to face the consequences if WADA reacts to any possible withdrawal of funding by expelling the American agency from its ranks.

"We don't want that to happen. We want a strong and independent AMA. But WADA made it clear in its response that it will retaliate if the money stops and that it will exclude the United States of AMA, "said Tygart.

USADA has long criticized the influence of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in WADA bodies, arguing that the presence of many IOC members in key positions prevents the world agency from acting independently. The IOC, which contributes half of WADA's funding, also has half the seats on the agency's executive committee, which has no representatives from the United States.

"You can't both promote and control effectively," said Tygart. "It is a matter of common sense. The mafia boss is not on the police council, for obvious reasons," said Tygart.

For Travis Tygart, the recent investigation into the International Weightlifting Federation, whose former president Tamas Ajan was forced to resign after allegations of corruption, buying votes and concealing cases of positive doping, proves the need of reforms.

"All of this happened under the supervision of WADA. (The investigation) paints a picture of a failed system," said Tygart. "And those of us who care about it want it fixed," he said.

© 2020 AFP