The suspension of Russia is maintained

Sport 1 August, 2017

Photo: Ronald Zak, Associated Press
Rune Andersen, the head of the inspection team put in place to monitor the progress of the Russian federation regarding anti-doping

London — The world Council of the international athletics Federation (IAAF) was held on Monday the suspension of Russia, taking the view that progress had been made in the fight against doping, but deeming them insufficient.

 

“Progress has been made, but remain insufficient. The Council [the government of the IAAF] has, therefore, unanimously recommended the continuation of the suspension of the Russia and recommended to the Congress, which meets from Tuesday, to continue the suspension until all conditions are met “, said Rune Andersen, the head of the inspection team put in place to monitor the progress of the Russian federation regarding anti-doping, to four days of the opening of the World athletics championships.

 

“Our impression is that they want to fill all the desired criteria, and they have really made progress, but there are still subjects to be solved,” added Mr. Andersen. We must continue to work with Russia, Rusada [the Russian Agency anti-doping], to fulfill the last criteria. “

There is a long way to go, and we are trying to work with Russia to change the culture
Rune Andersen

Among the criteria are still not met, Mr. Andersen cited the absence of “controls significant and comprehensive” and the lack of suspensions for some coaches believe to have doped athletes. The world anti-doping Agency (WADA) has authorized on June 27, the Rusada to lead to new controls but it will have to wait until November before it is in full compliance with the WADA, said Mr Andersen.

 

The inspection team also expects a full recognition by the Russian authorities report that McLaren, who had updated the organization of a doping State in the country.

 

“There is a long way to go, and we are trying to work with Russia to change the culture,” explained Mr. Andersen.

 

The inspectors shall issue regular reports the progress made by Russia in the fight against doping, with the aim to reintegrate the nation in international competitions.

 

Athletics Russian is deprived of competitions from November 2015. It has thus been ruled out of the olympic games Rio 2016 and will not be at the start of the Global 2017 to London, from 4 to 13 August. Some of the Russian athletes, however, have the ability to align under the flag of neutral under certain strict conditions. Ten-nine of them will participate as well in the World.

 

The IAAF has proposed an exit door to the Russian athletes who could demonstrate that their courses and methods of training had not been tainted by the generalised system of doping. One of the criteria stipulates in particular that none of them should be included in the report McLaren. The reanalysis of the samples collected at the World championships in Beijing in 2015 are also mandatory if the athletes participated.