The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has criticized World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Witold Banka for allegedly smearing US athletes in an effort to divert attention from WADA's handling of doping cases involving 23 Chinese swimmers. The swimmers tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance trimetazidine before the Tokyo Olympics, but were not sanctioned due to WADA accepting Chinese authorities' claims of food contamination.

USADA's statement, released on Monday, was in response to Banka's comments during an extraordinary virtual meeting of WADA's Foundation Board on Friday. USADA accused Banka of distorting facts to deflect from the "real concerns the world has about how WADA allowed China to sweep 23 positive tests under the carpet."

USADA chief Travis Tygart labeled the situation as a "potential cover-up."

During the meeting, Banka highlighted three US doping cases that were attributed to environmental contamination, similar to the Chinese swimmers' cases. However, USADA countered that these US cases were publicly disclosed and resulted in violations and disqualifications, unlike the Chinese swimmers' cases.

Banka also criticized what he termed "inconsistent rule implementation in the US," claiming that 90 percent of American athletes in professional leagues and college sports do not compete under the world anti-doping code. USADA refuted this as a "manipulative comment," arguing it implied that most US athletes are not clean.

USADA pointed out that major US sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball, have their own anti-doping systems. They argued it was "incredibly reckless" for Banka to suggest these sports lack effective anti-doping programs, calling his comments an insult to athletes and the leagues themselves. USADA also noted that college athletes fall under WADA rules when participating in international competitions.

USADA accused Banka and his associates of engaging in classic cover-up tactics, such as creating diversions and attacking the messenger. The agency stated, "There is nothing more classic in a cover-up than diversion and smoke and mirrors," and described Banka's actions as plumbing "the depths of misinformation and half-truths to make personal attacks."

USADA emphasized that such comments from WADA's president are harmful and undermine the integrity of athletes and sports leagues.

This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between USADA and WADA, particularly regarding the enforcement and transparency of anti-doping regulations on a global scale.