Athletics-Russia may face ban over doping charges
An anti-doping commission set up by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), recommended suspension of Russia's athletic federation from international competitions over widespread doping offences. Terming the scandal as dark days, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President gave Russia 7 days to respond back. International police body Interpol would conduct a global investigation into suspected corruption and doping in athletics.
A German documentary claimed that Russian officials systematically accepted payment from athletes to supply banned substances and cover up tests. It also implicated the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in covering up the abuse. It accused that 99% of the Russian athletes were guilty of doping. In a statement, WADA had said that necessary steps would be taken after careful examination of claims.
WADA had set up a 3 person independent commission to investigate allegations of systematic doping and cover-ups in Russia. Dick Pound, the former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, was made head of the commission. WADA President Reedie said that if allegations were found true, they would ensure individuals and organisations involved in it would be dealt with under anti-doping rules.
Sunday Times reported that nearly 30 percent of men and women who won the London Marathon from 2001 to 2012 were suspected of doping. It also said that four winners of major city marathons had doped to improve performance. IAAF said that this data was obtained without their permission and they were considering necessary action against the whistleblower and the newspaper.
Russia had won a total of 65 medals in the London Olympics 2012 with 29 gold medals, 17 silver medals and 19 bronze medals.
France's financial prosecutor said that former IAAF chief Lamine Diack was suspected of receiving $1.09 million in bribe to cover up positive doping tests of Russian athletes. Diack was placed under formal investigation on suspicion of corruption and money laundering. Diack's family dismissed the claims calling them excessive and insignificant accusations and that Diack had nothing to fear about.
Expressing shock and anger, IAAF President Sebastian Coe said that he was deeply saddened at allegations of high-level bribery, to cover up doping in track and field. He also seemed upset about the allegations of extortion. He said that he was ready to rebuild and repair the sport with his council colleagues but it would be a long road to redemption.
The commission said that the London Olympics 2012 was sabotaged by the inaction of anti-doping agencies. The report recommended sanctions against five athletes, four doctors and one doctor from Russia. It said that a suspension would be a good opportunity for Russia to get rid of their old system, coaches and get back in the game with a new start.
