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Athletics’ governing body has voted overwhelmingly to suspend Russia 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.
After a three-hour teleconference on Friday, hosted by its president Sebastian Coe, the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) council voted 22-1 in favour of the sanction, with the Russian representative not able to vote.
IAAF boss Sebastian Coe has called for introspection at the body. Image: Guardian
The meeting was called to discuss Monday’s report by the independent commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), which recommended the punishment – unprecedented for doping offences.
The report alleged “systemic” collusion between Russian athletes and both the country’s federation and anti-doping authorities and a “deeply-rooted culture of cheating” that enabled athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs without fear of being tested.
“We will get the change we want and only then will Russian athletes return to international competition,” Coe told reporters after Friday’s call.
“This is not about politics, this is about the protection of clean athletes. I cannot overstate the feeling around the conference call this evening about sending the strongest possible message that we can.
“This has been a shameful wake-up call and we are clear that cheating at any level will not be tolerated.
“But we discussed and agreed that the whole system has failed the athletes, not just in Russia, but around the world.”
Russia president Vladimir Putin. Image: Telegraph
Russia are one of the superpowers of the sport and finished second behind the United States in the track and field medal count at the 2012 Olympics in London.
“To regain membership to the IAAF the new federation would have to fulfill a list of criteria,” Coe said.
Stephanie Hightower, president of U.S. Track and Field and an IAAF council member, said of the “extraordinary” decision: “In light of the evidence, suspension was the only proper course of action… This sends a clear message to clean athletes that protecting them and protecting the sport, with a culture of accountability, is our top priority.
“Although this is a difficult time, in the long term, the sport ultimately will be stronger for it.”
Source: Reuters
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