The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will launch an independent review after 23 Chinese swimmers were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics despite testing positive for banned substances.
Wada said he was “not in a position to disprove” China Anti-Doping Agency's claim that contamination was the cause of the heart drug trimetazidine (TMZ) for which the swimmers tested positive. .
The results of an independent investigation led by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier are expected to be announced within two months.
“Mr. Wada's integrity and reputation are under attack,” said Witold Banka, president of Wada.
“Mr. Wada has been unfairly accused of being biased in favor of China by failing to appeal the Chinada case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“We continue to reject wrongful convictions and are pleased to be able to place these questions in the hands of experienced and respected independent prosecutors.”
Travis Tygart, CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said Wada and Nakata had “swept these positives under the carpet,” adding that Wada's claims were “completely refuted. “false and defamatory,” he said, adding that he had referred the comments to his lawyer.
Aquatics GB said it was “extremely concerned” about the allegations, which threatened “a loss of confidence in the sport and the potential for reputational damage”.
