IOC Calls for Dialogue Amid U.S.-WADA Dispute Over Chinese Doping Allegations

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged for talks between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S. to settle a jurisdiction dispute concerning alleged doping by Chinese Olympic swimmers. The U.S., a major WADA funder, has threatened to cut funding, risking its future Olympic hosting plans.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called for discussions between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States to resolve a dispute over jurisdiction in doping cases, officials stated on Wednesday.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday threatened to withdraw U.S. funding from WADA, accusing the body of failing to appropriately investigate alleged doping by Chinese Olympic swimmers. The U.S., the largest single funder of WADA, alleged that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

'We have asked for a dialogue between WADA and all the stakeholders,' IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said during a press conference. 'The question is about respect for international agreements signed globally, including by the United States.'

The accusations stem from a Chinese investigation that cleared the swimmers, claiming they were exposed to the drug via contamination at a hotel. The Department of Justice has launched its own investigation into the matter. WADA stated it found no evidence to contradict China's findings.

This incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming Paris Olympics and has fueled a major conflict between global and U.S. anti-doping bodies. WADA has reacted to U.S. claims by threatening to take the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to the Independent Compliance Review Committee. This action could jeopardize the U.S.'s plans to host the 2028 summer and 2034 winter Olympics.

The IOC, which established WADA, has demanded compliance from the U.S. and added a clause to the host city contract for the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City that would allow termination 'if the supreme authority of WADA' is not respected. Compliance with the anti-doping code is mandatory for any country wishing to host or compete in international sporting events.

(With inputs from agencies.)