On 16 June 2026, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Executive Committee held a virtual meeting, during which members received updates and took decisions aimed at strengthening the global anti-doping system.

One of the main discussion items concerned the final report, including its annexes, of the Working Group on National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) Operational Independence (WGOI). Following approval by WADA’s Executive Committee on 30 May 2025, the Working Group was established to examine issues related to the structural and operational independence of NADOs, including the impact of good governance on the effective delivery of anti-doping responsibilities.

The report makes 19 recommendations. One of them, Recommendation 19, focuses on independent testing during major events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, continental competitions and world championships. According to WADA, this approach is intended to help protect major events from actual or perceived conflicts of interest or bias, and to support confidence in equal treatment for all athletes.

Under the approach discussed by the ExCo, the host-country NADO would not be involved in the test distribution plan, the selection of athletes for testing, certain aspects of sample collection, or results management at major events. These functions would instead be carried out by an independent, non-partisan body.

At the same time, the report notes that host-country NADOs should not necessarily be excluded from all involvement in major events taking place within their respective countries. Local NADOs may continue to play an important role in areas such as logistical support, coordination with law enforcement for intelligence and investigations purposes, and the delivery of onsite education programs.

The ExCo discussion also covered WADA’s broader governance agenda. This included approval of the terms of reference for a review of the implementation of WADA’s governance reforms, which were approved in 2022 and subsequently implemented. The review will assess whether the reforms are operating as intended, including financially and operationally, remain aligned with international best practice, support the effective functioning of WADA’s decision-making and oversight bodies, and are consistent with relevant Swiss laws.

A three-person panel has been appointed to conduct the review. The panel consists of governance specialist Prof. Ulrich Haas, Swiss foundation law expert Prof. Dr. Dominique Jakob, and athlete representative Gaby Ahrens. Its work will commence in mid-August 2026.

The ExCo also authorized WADA Management to continue evaluating a proposal to form an institute as a proactive, long-term and sustainable mechanism to advance social science research, education and capability support for the clean sport community. A detailed analysis of the proposal is expected to be presented to the ExCo for further discussion at its next meeting in September 2026.

The meeting also addressed other institutional matters, including amendments to the terms of reference of the Compliance Review Committee, nominations related to Independent Review Experts under the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Results Management, which come into force on 1 January 2027, and the recommendation to approve WADA’s 2025 audited financial statements and annual activity report.

The issue of NADO operational independence has also received wider media and public attention, including through an open letter dated 13 June 2026 and published on the White House website on 15 June 2026. The letter referred to the Working Group’s report and the broader discussion on the role of operationally independent NADOs in the global anti-doping system.

The next WADA Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for 10–11 September 2026 in Belgrade, Serbia, while the next Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings are scheduled for 24–26 November 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Sources: WADA, White House.