WADA Concerned By Russian Government Comments On Funding

The World Anti-Doping Agency revealed it is concerned by comments from the Russian government "appearing to link extra funding for WADA with influence over staff appointments," according to R-SPORT. Russia will contribute an extra €300,000 ($390,000) a year to WADA, which the government said last week would "make it possible to strengthen the position of the Russian Federation in WADA, including the expansion of Russian representation in the management and working bodies." The government statement said that the donation was made "in light of next year’s Winter Olympics." WADA Communications Dir Julie Masse said, "The press release concerns us and we do not wish any contribution to our annual expenses to be tagged in that manner." The extra payment will take Russia's funding for WADA to $1.1M annually (R-SPORT, 3/20).