The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is expected to appeal the punishment handed down by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which banned Russia from appearing at top sporting events for four years. The case will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
Ten days ago, WADA punished Russia for manipulating data from a Moscow laboratory. It was decided that for the next four years, Russia should not perform under its flag and with its national anthem at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and World Championships.
At top events, including the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, only Russian competitors proven to have nothing to do with systematic doping in the country can present themselves as neutral athletes.
Russia immediately criticized the ruling as unfair. Today RUSADA management met and decided to appeal. “RUSADA will submit an appeal within 10 to 15 days,” said Chairman of the RUSADA Supervisory Board Alexander Ivlev. The deadline for filing an appeal is December 30.
Thus, WADA’s decision will be considered through arbitration. “This issue will be discussed in a legal context. “We consider our argument to be quite strong and we will see how it develops,” added Ivlev.
The Russian side has its own analysis, which explains the data discrepancies due to the instability of the software used in the Moscow laboratory and interference from abroad.
After receiving the appeal request, CAS will select a three-person team of arbitrators, who will then have three months to make a decision. The chairman of WADA’s oversight commission, Jonathan Taylor, believes the arbitration will ensure punishment for Russian sport.
The Tokyo Olympics, which would otherwise be subject to sanctions, are due to start on July 24, 2020. If arbitration does not rule by then, the four-year period could be extended to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an appeal after the sentence was handed down. He said WADA’s decision was politically motivated and violated the Olympic Charter. WADA does not blame the Russian Olympic Committee for anything.
The Russian head of state reiterated his position at today’s press conference. “From my point of view, this decision is not only unfair, but also contrary to common sense,” Putin said. He claimed that Russia had suffered enough from doping because they had to compete in neutral colors at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang.
He rejected the principle of collective guilt which he said was implemented by WADA. “Any punishment must be individualized. If someone is caught, the punishment is reasonable and fair. But if most athletes are clean, how can they impose sanctions on them?” Putin wondered.
He doesn’t think the case is over. “We must calmly wait for all related decisions, including the arbitration court decision. We know what position we are in. “Russian athletes will continue to train for all competitions,” he added.
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