As expected, the WADA board voted unanimously Wednesday to declare Russia’s anti-doping program non-compliant, though the agency does not have the power to bar Russian athletes from competition.
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LONDON, Nov 13 Athletics’ governing body has voted overwhelmingly to suspend Russian Federation from the sport for widespread, state-sponsored doping and the ban will include the 2016 Olympics unless the country can demonstrate a major change in their approach and controls.
Under rules agreed by WADA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) only countries in full compliance with the anti-doping agency’s code can participate in the Games.
Andorra and Israel have been told they did not have enough 2015 rules in place, while Argentina, Bolivia and Ukraine were using non-accredited laboratories.
In addition, Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia and Ukraine have also been declared as non-compliant, with Brazil, Belgium, France, Greece, Mexico and Spain placed on a compliance watchlist.
Amongst the charges, the report said the presence of Russian security services in the Moscow anti-doping laboratory “actively imposed an atmosphere of intimidation on laboratory process and staff”.
“What a mess”, Moses said Wednesday, shortly after the World Anti-Doping Agency declared Russia’s anti-doping agency to be out of compliance.
“A clear decision from the WADA board and a pivotal moment for sport”.
Later, WADA President Craig Reedie said more fact-finding was needed before he could decide whether to expand the independent investigation that, so far, is only looking into Russian Federation and track.
The African nation topped the medal table at August’s World Championships in Beijing, amid allegations of doping cover-ups in the country. “Perhaps it’s time to take a step back and look at finance, what is really required and how do we get there, rather than doing 1 percent a year and everyone fighting and screaming about that”.
“Athletes are very concerned – they want to see the right thing done in this case”, Moses said.
The commission recommended decertification of Russia’s anti-doping lab and anti-doping agency (RUSADA).
More urgently discussed was WADA’s ability to deal with the noncompliance declaration and the doping allegations that go beyond Russia’s track team.
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The Independent Commission, which is chaired by WADA’s founding president Dick Pound, was formed after the broadcast of an ARD documentary – ‘Top-secret doping: How Russia makes its winners’ – in December 2014.
