WADA Presses On With Governance Changes, Moscow Lab Access

(ATR) Compensation for the president and term limits for board members are among the changes coming to the World Anti Doping Agency.

The 38-member WADA Foundation Board approved a wide ranging package of governance changes at its meeting Nov. 15 in Baku. It’s the first time WADA has met in the Azeri capital.

Governance Changes

The changes for WADA are aimed at increasing the independence of the anti-doping agency, developed by a working group in the past two years.

"The review of WADA’s governance model has been comprehensive and has clearly shown WADA’s willingness to adapt. As with all well-run organizations, we want to ensure that we have the right processes in place and that we change with the times," says WADA President Craig Reedie in a statement.

"The changes approved today will make a significant difference to how the Agency is run and the greater independence on WADA’s Executive Committee is particularly welcome," says Reedie.

An independent president and vice-president lead the list of changes. Compensation for the president will be provided. A nominations committee will oversee the selection of individuals to fill senior roles within WADA.

The WADA board will expand by two seats to be held by independent members with full voting rights.

A limit of three three-year terms is now established for all members of the board and standing committees.

Presidential Election

The date has been set for the election of the next WADA president: Nov 7, 2019. The election takes place at the WADA Foundation Board meeting that will be held on the sidelines World Anti Doping Conference in Katowice, Poland.

Current WADA president Craig Reedie has served two three-year terms as a representative of sport. Under WADA rules, the presidency rotates from sport to government.

Two candidates are in the running. Norwegian Minister for Children and Equality Linda Helleland is currently WADA vice president. The other candidate is Witold Banka, Polish Minister of Sport.

Beckie Scott Bullying Inquiry Continues

WADA says it will continue an inquiry into whether board member Beckie Scott was bullied during a September executive committee in the Seychelles.

Scott charged attempts to intimidate here were made during the meeting which reinstated the Russian Anti Doping Agency. Scott, an Olympian and chair of the WADA Athletes Commission Commission has urged that WADA delay recognition of the Russian agency.

WADA says a review of the transcripts and recording of the meeting did not reveal evidence to back up Scott’s claim. The inquiry will now be expanded with interviews with those at the meeting, presumably including Scott.

Opening the Doors to Moscow Lab

A delegation from WADA heads to Moscow for a Nov. 28 meeting regarding the suspended Moscow drug lab. As one of the conditions for reinstatement of the Russian Anti Doping Agency, WADA is demanding access to the lab and the data from testing of Russian athletes.

WADA set a Dec. 31 deadline for the lab access, including the testing results which could lead to new sanctions against Russian athletes.

The lab was a keystone in the Russian doping scandal. Tests run at the lab were flagged by officials if the results were positive, then concealed.

WADA 2019 Budget

The WADA board has approved a budget of $34,671,054 for 2019. That’s an increase of 8 percent compared to last year. Half the funding comes from the IOC and sport, government contributions cover the other half.

Reported by Ed Hula.