WADA Delays Vote on Rule Barring Officials Over Funding

The World Anti-Doping Agency delayed a decision on Tuesday on a proposed rule that would bar government officials from attending major international sporting events if their countries voluntarily withhold financial contributions, postponing any potential clash with President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials until after this summer's World Cup.

The WADA executive committee, during its meeting, announced it would revisit the measure in September, two months following the conclusion of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Adoption of the rule later this year could see it take effect ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The United States has not paid its dues to WADA since 2023, accumulating a withholding of $7.3 million over 2024 and 2025. This action stemmed from objections to WADA's management of a doping case involving Chinese swimmers and additional operational concerns.

The funding dispute transcends partisan lines in the United States, with withholdings occurring once during Trump's presidency and once under President Joe Biden's administration. Should the rule proceed, it could theoretically prohibit Trump and U.S. lawmakers from...