WADA invites independent prosecutor in connection with doping of Chinese swimmers

Moscow. 25th of April. INTERFAX.RU – WADA has invited an independent prosecutor to evaluate its refusal to appeal the decision of the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) not to punish 23 Chinese swimmers for positive doping tests.

“In light of the damaging and baseless allegations being made against WADA in connection with the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) case of illegal contamination of 23 swimmers from China in 2021, WADA has responded to calls and invited independent prosecutor Mr. Eric Cottier to conduct a thorough review of WADA’s actions on this issue,” WADA said in a statement on the organization’s website.

The report explains that the independent prosecutor will also have to weigh in on the question: “whether there is any evidence of bias against China, undue interference or other irregularities in WADA’s assessment of CHINADA’s decision not to bring anti-doping rule violation cases against Chinese swimmers “.

In addition to the independent prosecutor, the anti-doping agency will send a compliance audit team to China to assess the current state of the anti-doping program.

Agency President Witold Banka, whose words are quoted in the message, said that “WADA’s integrity and reputation are under threat.”

“Over the past few days, WADA has been unfairly accused of bias in favor of China for its failure to appeal the CHINADA case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. We continue to reject the false allegations and welcome the opportunity to place these matters in the hands of an experienced, respected and the independent prosecutor, I thank the members of the WADA Executive Committee for meeting in such a short time and for their support in this matter,” Banka said.

It was previously reported that 23 swimmers from China tested positive for the banned drug trimetazidine several months before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. According to The Guardian, the athletes were allowed to participate in the competition because WADA accepted the Chinese side’s explanation that the prohibited drug entered the body accidentally.

On April 20, WADA reported on its own investigation, as a result of which the agency refused to file an appeal to CAS against CHINADA’s decision that the substance was unintentionally introduced into the athletes’ bodies. However, WADA scientists and investigators were unable to conduct investigations in China due to restrictions related to COVID-19. As a result, no sanctions were applied to the athletes.

Soon, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) called for a review of WADA’s activities amid their agreement with CHINADA’s decision. In turn, WADA told Interfax that it was thoroughly investigating the case of doping in the samples of Chinese swimmers.