Former British Paralympian Victoria Aggar has resigned from the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Athlete Committee over the organisation's handling of the Russian doping scandal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">WADA has banned Russia</a> from all major sporting events for four years for tampering with doping tests, but left the door open for its athletes to compete at next year's Tokyo Games as neutrals under the Olympic flag.

Russia's Olympic Committee has described the sanctions as "illogical and excessive" while President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-moscow-could-appeal-russia-sports-ban-267320">could appeal WADA's decision</a>.

However, Aggar, who won a rowing bronze at the Beijing Games in 2008, said WADA had not gone far enough and had broken promises by not imposing a blanket ban on Russian athletes.

"I do not feel that WADA exists any more," she said on Twitter

"Too many political games (or machinations), too many conflicts and too much self-interest has led to too many bad decisions, compromises and broken promises.

"Most recently the biggest blow to athletes is the decision by WADA to ignore calls from its very own Athlete Committee for Russia to be banned from competing at the next Olympic and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paralympics-chief-disgusted-with-russia-for-letting-down-nations-clean-athletes-267410">Paralympic Games</a>."

Aggar, one of 17 committee members, said WADA had refused to publish several Athlete Committee statements on its website.

"The concept of silencing athletes is one of the reasons why we are seeing so much abuse in sport," she said.

"I believe every athlete has the right to clean sport and in such an environment I don't believe Russian athletes will have this choice.

"Yes, they will suffer in the short term with a blanket ban but in the long term we may be able to contribute to a change of culture for the future young generations."

WADA director-general Olivier Niggli told the BBC in response to Aggar's resignation that the decision not to publish the statements was due to the lack of a "clear majority" among committee members.

"Nine members were in favour of issuing a statement objecting to the (independent compliance review committee's) recommendation (on Russia), while eight were against and had prepared an alternative statement," he said.&nbsp;

"Therefore, there was no consensus, and it would have been very strange - to say the least - for WADA to publish two different statements from its own Athlete Committee. In my view, it is simply not correct to mislead in this fashion."

Former British Paralympian Victoria Aggar has resigned from the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Athlete Committee over the organisation's handling of the Russian doping scandal.

Former British Paralympian Victoria Aggar has resigned from the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Athlete Committee over the organisation's handling of the Russian doping scandal. WADA has banned Russia from all major sporting events for four years for tampering with doping tests, but left the door open for its athletes to compete at next year's Tokyo Games as neutrals under the Olympic flag. Russia's Olympic Committee has described the sanctions as "illogical and excessive" while President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow could appeal WADA's decision. However, Aggar, who won a rowing bronze at the Beijing Games in 2008, said WADA had not gone far enough and had broken promises by not imposing a blanket ban on Russian athletes. "I do not feel that WADA exists any more," she said on Twitter "Too many political games (or machinations), too many conflicts and too much self-interest has led to too many bad decisions, compromises and broken promises. "Most recently the biggest blow to athletes is the decision by WADA to ignore calls from its very own Athlete Committee for Russia to be banned from competing at the next Olympic and Paralympic Games." Aggar, one of 17 committee members, said WADA had refused to publish several Athlete Committee statements on its website. "The concept of silencing athletes is one of the reasons why we are seeing so much abuse in sport," she said. "I believe every athlete has the right to clean sport and in such an environment I don't believe Russian athletes will have this choice. "Yes, they will suffer in the short term with a blanket ban but in the long term we may be able to contribute to a change of culture for the future young generations." WADA director-general Olivier Niggli told the BBC in response to Aggar's resignation that the decision not to publish the statements was due to the lack of a "clear majority" among committee members. "Nine members were in favour of issuing a statement objecting to the (independent compliance review committee's) recommendation (on Russia), while eight were against and had prepared an alternative statement," he said. "Therefore, there was no consensus, and it would have been very strange - to say the least - for WADA to publish two different statements from its own Athlete Committee. In my view, it is simply not correct to mislead in this fashion."

Britain's Aggar quits WADA role over Russia scandal

Russia should not try to delay the start of its four-year ban from major sporting events for doping as it will only miss out on future events instead, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency's independent Compliance Review Committee said on Friday.

Even if it manages to extend any appeal proceedings until next summer and send athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the meantime, it would be banned from the Paris 2024 Games instead, Jonathan Taylor told Reuters in an interview.

"We allow due process. They have to have their day in court. If that causes a delay, if it means it misses Tokyo, it does not lose its power as it covers Paris 2024. That's the stick we are using so they don't drag it out," Taylor said.

WADA banned Russia from the world's top sporting events on Monday for four years - including the next summer and winter Olympics and the 2022 soccer World Cup - for tampering with doping tests.

A final decision on the ban, however, will be taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where Russia is planning to appeal the sanctions.

WADA took action after concluding that Moscow had planted fake evidence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests in laboratory data that could have helped identify drug cheats.

The ban means Russian athletes will not be able to perform at the Olympics in Tokyo next year under their own flag and national anthem. Individual athletes with proven clean records may compete as neutral participants.

A long legal battle over the ban could potentially last months and even until Tokyo in July, a similar scenario to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where Russians tried to earn the right to participate through CAS.

"It is a court case and there are no guarantees," Taylor, who headed WADA's independent Compliance Review Committee into Russia, said.

"The standard requires an expedited hearing, but also a fair hearing."

"I would hope and expect it will be done by March or April but I cannot guarantee that. There is a risk the Russians will drag it out," he said.

Too soft?

Many western athletes' groups and anti-doping bodies among others have been critical of WADA's decision, saying it was far too soft on Russia.

But Taylor said that while he accepted criticism that his committee had not gone far enough and banned the Russians outright, he still thought the decision went further than expected.

"In Russia they have reacted saying it is outrageous and a harsh ban. I do think it is a ban that strikes a blow to the pride of the nation," he said.

"No Russian flag, no Russian colours, no Russian president to accept the plaudits. Russia will not be there (in Tokyo or the 2022 soccer World Cup), President Putin will not be there. If Russia win the World Cup he will not be there to celebrate."

But Russia will play at Euro 2020 and host games as well, while also staging the 2021 Champions League final - all events that are not covered by the ban, which includes Olympics and world championships but not continental competitions.

"There are some who say the Euros and the Champions League should be covered. We had to draw the line somewhere. No one expected us to go as far as world championships, and now they are criticising us for not having gone further."

Russia should not try to delay the start of its four-year ban from major sporting events for doping as it will only miss out on future events instead, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency's independent Compliance Review Committee said on Friday.

Russia should not try to delay the start of its four-year ban from major sporting events for doping as it will only miss out on future events instead, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency's independent Compliance Review Committee said on Friday. Even if it manages to extend any appeal proceedings until next summer and send athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the meantime, it would be banned from the Paris 2024 Games instead, Jonathan Taylor told Reuters in an interview. "We allow due process. They have to have their day in court. If that causes a delay, if it means it misses Tokyo, it does not lose its power as it covers Paris 2024. That's the stick we are using so they don't drag it out," Taylor said. WADA banned Russia from the world's top sporting events on Monday for four years - including the next summer and winter Olympics and the 2022 soccer World Cup - for tampering with doping tests. A final decision on the ban, however, will be taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where Russia is planning to appeal the sanctions. WADA took action after concluding that Moscow had planted fake evidence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests in laboratory data that could have helped identify drug cheats. The ban means Russian athletes will not be able to perform at the Olympics in Tokyo next year under their own flag and national anthem. Individual athletes with proven clean records may compete as neutral participants. A long legal battle over the ban could potentially last months and even until Tokyo in July, a similar scenario to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where Russians tried to earn the right to participate through CAS. "It is a court case and there are no guarantees," Taylor, who headed WADA's independent Compliance Review Committee into Russia, said. "The standard requires an expedited hearing, but also a fair hearing." "I would hope and expect it will be done by March or April but I cannot guarantee that. There is a risk the Russians will drag it out," he said. Too soft? Many western athletes' groups and anti-doping bodies among others have been critical of WADA's decision, saying it was far too soft on Russia. But Taylor said that while he accepted criticism that his committee had not gone far enough and banned the Russians outright, he still thought the decision went further than expected. "In Russia they have reacted saying it is outrageous and a harsh ban. I do think it is a ban that strikes a blow to the pride of the nation," he said. "No Russian flag, no Russian colours, no Russian president to accept the plaudits. Russia will not be there (in Tokyo or the 2022 soccer World Cup), President Putin will not be there. If Russia win the World Cup he will not be there to celebrate." But Russia will play at Euro 2020 and host games as well, while also staging the 2021 Champions League final - all events that are not covered by the ban, which includes Olympics and world championships but not continental competitions. "There are some who say the Euros and the Champions League should be covered. We had to draw the line somewhere. No one expected us to go as far as world championships, and now they are criticising us for not having gone further."

WADA committee head urges Russia not to drag out ban appeal

By Mallika Singh

Russia was banned&nbsp;from all sporting competitions including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/more-tokyo-olympic-events-rescheduled-due-to-heat-concern-266444">Tokyo 2020</a> on Monday after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data, the Russian TASS news agency reported.&nbsp;

The decision was taken by WADA's executive committee after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">Compliance Review Committee</a> (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report.&nbsp;

"The full list of recommendations have&nbsp;been unanimously accepted," said WADA spokesperson&nbsp;James Fitzgerald.&nbsp;

"WADA's executive committee approved unanimously to assert a non-compliance on the Russian anti-doping agency for a period of four years," he added.

CRC had earlier declared the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

The full disclosure of data was a key condition of Russia’s reinstatement in 2018 after a nearly three-year-long ban which was followed by the revelation of vast state-supported doping programs in the country.&nbsp;

The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted.&nbsp;

The four-year ban was one of the several "strong proposed consequences" by CRC over Russia which was to start "on the date on which the decision that RUSADA&nbsp;is non-compliant becomes final".

The sanctions effectively strip the agency of its accreditation.

Russia is now to face a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support will only be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation.&nbsp;

"They are going to have prove they had nothing to do with the non-compliance, (that) they were not involved in the doping schemes as described by the McLaren report, or they did not have their samples affected by the manipulation," Fitzgerald said.

Russia will not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights will now be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a>.

The country will also not be allowed to bid for the right to host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, irrespective of whether the bidding takes place during or after the four year period.

Russian government officials and representatives will now be banned from attending and participating in events of any signatory to World Anti Doping Code. They are also to be barred from the boards, committees or any other bodies of the same.&nbsp;

Russia’s flag also may not be flown at any major event staged in the four-year period.

RUSADA’s chief Yury Ganus had earlier said that he expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-could-face-olympic-ban-in-wada-decision-due-monday-266958">WADA to uphold the recommendations</a> as “that’s the reality”. &nbsp;

Ganus added that Russia was in urgent need of new sports management, urging &nbsp;President Vladimir Putin to intervene.

"Honestly, I am waiting for the president to take an active part in this," Ganus told reporters.

“There are a lot of problems in sports here but the most difficult and tragic thing is that our athletes have become hostages of the actions of our sports officials...We need to push through real changes...We need new sports leaders,” he added.&nbsp;

Several Russian officials have stated the call for sanctions as unfair and a western attempt to sabotage the country's attempt to become a global sports power.&nbsp;

Russian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-should-get-tougher-on-doping-prime-minister-dmitry-medvedev-266468">Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday</a> had admitted that the country has committed a sin and urged the authorities to&nbsp;get tougher on&nbsp;doping problems.&nbsp;

"We do have a problem with doping and this is unacceptable," he said.&nbsp;

"We should adopt a tougher line on this matter, towards those taking the decisions on the use of these substances."

"Here we have committed a sin," he acknowledged while adding "Are other countries without sin?"&nbsp;

If RUSADA appeals the imposed sanctions, the case will then be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).&nbsp;

The ban is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

By Mallika Singh Russia was banned from all sporting competitions including the Tokyo 2020 on Monday after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data, the Russian TASS news agency reported.

By Mallika Singh Russia was banned from all sporting competitions including the Tokyo 2020 on Monday after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data, the Russian TASS news agency reported. The decision was taken by WADA's executive committee after the Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report. "The full list of recommendations have been unanimously accepted," said WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald. "WADA's executive committee approved unanimously to assert a non-compliance on the Russian anti-doping agency for a period of four years," he added. CRC had earlier declared the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". The full disclosure of data was a key condition of Russia’s reinstatement in 2018 after a nearly three-year-long ban which was followed by the revelation of vast state-supported doping programs in the country. The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted. The four-year ban was one of the several "strong proposed consequences" by CRC over Russia which was to start "on the date on which the decision that RUSADA is non-compliant becomes final". The sanctions effectively strip the agency of its accreditation. Russia is now to face a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support will only be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation. "They are going to have prove they had nothing to do with the non-compliance, (that) they were not involved in the doping schemes as described by the McLaren report, or they did not have their samples affected by the manipulation," Fitzgerald said. Russia will not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights will now be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020. The country will also not be allowed to bid for the right to host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, irrespective of whether the bidding takes place during or after the four year period. Russian government officials and representatives will now be banned from attending and participating in events of any signatory to World Anti Doping Code. They are also to be barred from the boards, committees or any other bodies of the same. Russia’s flag also may not be flown at any major event staged in the four-year period. RUSADA’s chief Yury Ganus had earlier said that he expected WADA to uphold the recommendations as “that’s the reality”. Ganus added that Russia was in urgent need of new sports management, urging President Vladimir Putin to intervene. "Honestly, I am waiting for the president to take an active part in this," Ganus told reporters. “There are a lot of problems in sports here but the most difficult and tragic thing is that our athletes have become hostages of the actions of our sports officials...We need to push through real changes...We need new sports leaders,” he added. Several Russian officials have stated the call for sanctions as unfair and a western attempt to sabotage the country's attempt to become a global sports power. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday had admitted that the country has committed a sin and urged the authorities to get tougher on doping problems. "We do have a problem with doping and this is unacceptable," he said. "We should adopt a tougher line on this matter, towards those taking the decisions on the use of these substances." "Here we have committed a sin," he acknowledged while adding "Are other countries without sin?" If RUSADA appeals the imposed sanctions, the case will then be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ban is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

WADA imposes four year ban on Russia over doping data manipulation

Russia's anti-doping agency chief on Monday said that his country has ''no chance'' of winning an appeal against a four-year international sporting ban.

"There is no chance of winning this case in court," RUSADA chief Yury Ganus told AFP after the World Anti-Doping Agency imposed the ban that will rule Russia out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The ban decision was taken by WADA's executive committee after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">Compliance Review Committee</a>&nbsp;(CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report.&nbsp;

RUSADA's supervisory board is set to meet on December 19 to take a decision on whether to appeal the ban, he said.

"This is a tragedy," he said. "Clean athletes are seeing their rights limited."

Ganus said that some Russian athletes were contemplating leaving Russia so that they could train elsewhere.

He described the sentiments among athletes as "awful," stressing that four years for a sportsman is a long time in what can be a short career.

Earlier Monday WADA's executive committee, meeting in Lausanne, decided that Russia be handed a four-year suspension after accusing Moscow of falsifying laboratory data.

"The full list of recommendations have&nbsp;been unanimously accepted," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">WADA spokesperson</a>&nbsp;James Fitzgerald.&nbsp;

"WADA's executive committee approved unanimously to assert a non-compliance on the Russian anti-doping agency for a period of four years," he added.

Russian athletes have already faced a series of bans over the last few years and were forced to participate in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games as neutral competitors.

The heads of several Russian sports federations said they were preparing to send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics under a neutral flag.

Russia's swimming federation's head, Vladimir Salnikov, said the country's athletes "must go to the Olympics whatever the situation."

"Of course we'd prefer that our athletes participate under the Russian flag and hear their national anthem. But the circumstances may be different... (and) no-one has the right to deprive innocent athletes of their dreams," he told state news agency RIA Novosti.

"If (participating under a neutral flag) is the only possibility, we must go and win. Our clean athletes, I am sure, will show that they are strong, even in these circumstances," said the head of the waterpolo, diving and synchronised swimming federation, Alexei Vlasenko.

CRC had earlier declared the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-could-face-olympic-ban-in-wada-decision-due-monday-266958">non-compliant</a> after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

(With inputs from Reuters)

Russia's anti-doping agency chief on Monday said that his country has ''no chance'' of winning an appeal against a four-year international sporting ban. "There is no chance of winning this case in court," RUSADA chief Yury Ganus told AFP after the World Anti-Doping Agency imposed the ban that will rule Russia out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Russia's anti-doping agency chief on Monday said that his country has ''no chance'' of winning an appeal against a four-year international sporting ban. "There is no chance of winning this case in court," RUSADA chief Yury Ganus told AFP after the World Anti-Doping Agency imposed the ban that will rule Russia out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The ban decision was taken by WADA's executive committee after the Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report. RUSADA's supervisory board is set to meet on December 19 to take a decision on whether to appeal the ban, he said. "This is a tragedy," he said. "Clean athletes are seeing their rights limited." Ganus said that some Russian athletes were contemplating leaving Russia so that they could train elsewhere. He described the sentiments among athletes as "awful," stressing that four years for a sportsman is a long time in what can be a short career. Earlier Monday WADA's executive committee, meeting in Lausanne, decided that Russia be handed a four-year suspension after accusing Moscow of falsifying laboratory data. "The full list of recommendations have been unanimously accepted," said WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald. "WADA's executive committee approved unanimously to assert a non-compliance on the Russian anti-doping agency for a period of four years," he added. Russian athletes have already faced a series of bans over the last few years and were forced to participate in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games as neutral competitors. The heads of several Russian sports federations said they were preparing to send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics under a neutral flag. Russia's swimming federation's head, Vladimir Salnikov, said the country's athletes "must go to the Olympics whatever the situation." "Of course we'd prefer that our athletes participate under the Russian flag and hear their national anthem. But the circumstances may be different... (and) no-one has the right to deprive innocent athletes of their dreams," he told state news agency RIA Novosti. "If (participating under a neutral flag) is the only possibility, we must go and win. Our clean athletes, I am sure, will show that they are strong, even in these circumstances," said the head of the waterpolo, diving and synchronised swimming federation, Alexei Vlasenko. CRC had earlier declared the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". (With inputs from Reuters)

'No chance' of winning WADA ban appeal: Russian anti-doping chief

Russia will learn later on Monday whether it will be hit with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">four-year Olympic ban</a> for tampering with doping-related laboratory data, a decision local officials have said they fear may not be taken fairly.

Russia, which has tried to showcase itself as a global sports power, has been embroiled in doping scandals since a 2015 report commissioned by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-could-face-olympic-ban-in-wada-decision-due-monday-266958">World Anti-Doping Agency</a> (WADA) found evidence of mass doping in Russian athletics.

Its doping woes have grown since, with many of its athletes sidelined from the past two Olympics and the country stripped of its flag altogether at last year's Pyeongchang Winter Games as punishment for state-sponsored doping cover-ups at the 2014 Sochi Games.

In focus this time are findings from WADA which concluded that Moscow had tampered with laboratory data by planting fake evidence and deleting files linked to positive doping tests that could have helped identify drug cheats.

Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov last month attributed the discrepancies in the laboratory data to technical issues.

WADA's executive committee will convene in Lausanne later on Monday to decide how to respond to the issue.

It will rule on whether to ban the country from hosting major sporting events for four years and whether to force its clean athletes to compete without their flag or anthem for the same period.

The recommendations for punishment it will examine do not include a blanket ban on Russian participation in international sport, however, and leave the door open for clean Russian athletes to compete at major international sporting events as neutrals, as was the case during the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

RUSADA, Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA could be stripped of its accreditation for the second time in four years as part of the same doping sanctions.

Russia will learn later on Monday whether it will be hit with a four-year Olympic ban for tampering with doping-related laboratory data, a decision local officials have said they fear may not be taken fairly.

Russia will learn later on Monday whether it will be hit with a four-year Olympic ban for tampering with doping-related laboratory data, a decision local officials have said they fear may not be taken fairly. Russia, which has tried to showcase itself as a global sports power, has been embroiled in doping scandals since a 2015 report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found evidence of mass doping in Russian athletics. Its doping woes have grown since, with many of its athletes sidelined from the past two Olympics and the country stripped of its flag altogether at last year's Pyeongchang Winter Games as punishment for state-sponsored doping cover-ups at the 2014 Sochi Games. In focus this time are findings from WADA which concluded that Moscow had tampered with laboratory data by planting fake evidence and deleting files linked to positive doping tests that could have helped identify drug cheats. Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov last month attributed the discrepancies in the laboratory data to technical issues. WADA's executive committee will convene in Lausanne later on Monday to decide how to respond to the issue. It will rule on whether to ban the country from hosting major sporting events for four years and whether to force its clean athletes to compete without their flag or anthem for the same period. The recommendations for punishment it will examine do not include a blanket ban on Russian participation in international sport, however, and leave the door open for clean Russian athletes to compete at major international sporting events as neutrals, as was the case during the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. RUSADA, Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA could be stripped of its accreditation for the second time in four years as part of the same doping sanctions.

Russia to learn Olympic fate over doping violations later on Monday

Russian athletes could be barred from the Tokyo Olympic Games when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) </a>executive committee meets on Monday (December 9).

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was suspended after a 2015 WADA report found evidence of state-sponsored doping in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kremlin-says-russia-remains-open-to-cooperation-on-doping-264918">Russian sport </a>and the country was barred from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics athletics competition the following year.

Russians competed as independents at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, walking behind the Olympic rings flag at the opening ceremony.

RUSADA's suspension was lifted in September 2018 amid strong criticism as WADA gradually got access to key Russian athletes' data from a Russian dope testing laboratory.

But in September WADA said it had again opened compliance proceedings against RUSADA after finding "inconsistencies" in the vast bank of historical testing data finally handed over in January.

A WADA compliance committee recommended last week that Russia receive a four-year Olympic ban as part of a sanctions package to punish Moscow for having provided the agency with doctored and incomplete laboratory data.

WADA's executive committee will meet in Lausanne, Switzerland to consider the recommendations, which the head of Russia's Olympic Committee described last week as "excessive, inappropriate and wrong."

The WADA decision is likely to determine whether Russian athletes, who can prove they are clean, will compete as neutrals or whether some will be invited by the IOC to compete in Tokyo.

Russian athletes could be barred from the Tokyo Olympic Games when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) executive committee meets on Monday (December 9). The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was suspended after a 2015 WADA report found evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian sport and the country was barred from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics athletics competition the following year.

Russian athletes could be barred from the Tokyo Olympic Games when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) executive committee meets on Monday (December 9). The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was suspended after a 2015 WADA report found evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian sport and the country was barred from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics athletics competition the following year. Russians competed as independents at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, walking behind the Olympic rings flag at the opening ceremony. RUSADA's suspension was lifted in September 2018 amid strong criticism as WADA gradually got access to key Russian athletes' data from a Russian dope testing laboratory. But in September WADA said it had again opened compliance proceedings against RUSADA after finding "inconsistencies" in the vast bank of historical testing data finally handed over in January. A WADA compliance committee recommended last week that Russia receive a four-year Olympic ban as part of a sanctions package to punish Moscow for having provided the agency with doctored and incomplete laboratory data. WADA's executive committee will meet in Lausanne, Switzerland to consider the recommendations, which the head of Russia's Olympic Committee described last week as "excessive, inappropriate and wrong." The WADA decision is likely to determine whether Russian athletes, who can prove they are clean, will compete as neutrals or whether some will be invited by the IOC to compete in Tokyo.

Russia could face Olympic ban in WADA decision due Monday

Amid doping row, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday admitted that the country has committed a sin and urged the authorities to&nbsp;get tougher on&nbsp;doping problems.&nbsp;

Russia faces the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">possibility of being banned </a>from all sporting competitions including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/more-tokyo-olympic-events-rescheduled-due-to-heat-concern-266444">Tokyo 2020</a> after a key World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) committee recommended a four-year ban on the country for manipulating laboratory data.

In an annual televised question-and-answer session with TV journalists,&nbsp;Medvedev said that Russia should get serious about rooting out cheats.&nbsp;

"We do have a problem with doping and this is unacceptable," he said.&nbsp;

"We should adopt a tougher line on this matter, towards those taking the decisions on the use of these substances."

"Here we have committed a sin," he acknowledged, while adding "Are other countries without sin?"&nbsp;

Medvedev argued that athletes should not be punished for the mistakes of others&nbsp;while calling the Russian doping scandal an "endless anti-Russian TV series."&nbsp;

WADA is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-moves-crucial-exco-meeting-to-lausanne-from-paris-265865">meet on Monday</a> in Lausanne for the crucial executive committee meeting to discuss the recommended four-year ban.&nbsp;

WADA’s Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions after the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) was found to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

The full disclosure of data was a key condition of Russia’s reinstatement in 2018 after a nearly three-year-long ban which was followed by the revelation of vast state-supported doping programs in the country.&nbsp;

The four-year ban was one of the several "strong proposed consequences" by CRC over Russia which is to start "on the date on which the decision that Rusada is non-compliant becomes final".

RUSADA’s chief Yury Ganus said last week that he expected WADA to uphold the recommendations as “that’s the reality”. &nbsp;

The recommendations are the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-chief-says-will-do-everything-to-ensure-russia-at-2020-games-265073">Olympics</a> that were held in Russia.

Amid doping row, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday admitted that the country has committed a sin and urged the authorities to get tougher on doping problems.

Amid doping row, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday admitted that the country has committed a sin and urged the authorities to get tougher on doping problems. Russia faces the possibility of being banned from all sporting competitions including the Tokyo 2020 after a key World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) committee recommended a four-year ban on the country for manipulating laboratory data. In an annual televised question-and-answer session with TV journalists, Medvedev said that Russia should get serious about rooting out cheats. "We do have a problem with doping and this is unacceptable," he said. "We should adopt a tougher line on this matter, towards those taking the decisions on the use of these substances." "Here we have committed a sin," he acknowledged, while adding "Are other countries without sin?" Medvedev argued that athletes should not be punished for the mistakes of others while calling the Russian doping scandal an "endless anti-Russian TV series." WADA is set to meet on Monday in Lausanne for the crucial executive committee meeting to discuss the recommended four-year ban. WADA’s Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions after the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) was found to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". The full disclosure of data was a key condition of Russia’s reinstatement in 2018 after a nearly three-year-long ban which was followed by the revelation of vast state-supported doping programs in the country. The four-year ban was one of the several "strong proposed consequences" by CRC over Russia which is to start "on the date on which the decision that Rusada is non-compliant becomes final". RUSADA’s chief Yury Ganus said last week that he expected WADA to uphold the recommendations as “that’s the reality”. The recommendations are the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

'We have committed a sin', says Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev amid doping row

The World Anti-Doping Agency said Monday it had moved next week's crucial Executive Committee meeting from Paris to Lausanne because of fears of disruption caused by strike action in the French capital.

WADA confirmed the venue switch to Switzerland in a brief statement.

"WADA has taken the decision to relocate (the meeting) to Lausanne due to likely disruptions and uncertainty caused by imminent general strike action in Paris," WADA said.

The December 9 meeting is expected to see WADA chiefs approve a recommendation by the body's Compliance Review Committee concerning Russia.

The WADA compliance panel has called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">Russia to be banned</a> from sporting competitions for four years after accusing Moscow of falsifying laboratory data handed over to investigators earlier this year.

Under the proposed sanctions, Russian athletes would still be allowed to compete at the Olympics next year but only if they can demonstrate that they were not part of the Russian system.

Full disclosure of data from the Moscow laboratory was a key condition of Russia's controversial reinstatement by WADA in September 2018.

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) had been suspended for nearly three years previously over revelations of a vast state-supported doping program.

The World Anti-Doping Agency said Monday it had moved next week's crucial Executive Committee meeting from Paris to Lausanne because of fears of disruption caused by strike action in the French capital.

The World Anti-Doping Agency said Monday it had moved next week's crucial Executive Committee meeting from Paris to Lausanne because of fears of disruption caused by strike action in the French capital. WADA confirmed the venue switch to Switzerland in a brief statement. "WADA has taken the decision to relocate (the meeting) to Lausanne due to likely disruptions and uncertainty caused by imminent general strike action in Paris," WADA said. The December 9 meeting is expected to see WADA chiefs approve a recommendation by the body's Compliance Review Committee concerning Russia. The WADA compliance panel has called for Russia to be banned from sporting competitions for four years after accusing Moscow of falsifying laboratory data handed over to investigators earlier this year. Under the proposed sanctions, Russian athletes would still be allowed to compete at the Olympics next year but only if they can demonstrate that they were not part of the Russian system. Full disclosure of data from the Moscow laboratory was a key condition of Russia's controversial reinstatement by WADA in September 2018. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) had been suspended for nearly three years previously over revelations of a vast state-supported doping program.

WADA moves crucial ExCo meeting to Lausanne from Paris

Russia's Olympic Committee will do all it can to ensure Russian athletes take part in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">2020 Games</a>, its chief said Thursday, as the country faces a four-year doping ban.

"We will do everything in our power to ensure our team is in Tokyo under the Russian flag," news agency RIA Novosti quoted Stanislav Pozdnyakov as saying.

He said there were no "objective obstacles" to the "vast majority" of Russian athletes fully participating in the Olympics.&nbsp;

The compliance review committee at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626">World Anti-Doping Agency</a> (WADA) on Monday recommended a four-year sporting ban over falsified lab data it received from Russia.

If WADA chiefs adopt the committee's recommendations at a meeting in Paris on December 9, Russia faces exclusion from key sporting events including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The scandal has tainted Russia's sporting reputation since the revelation of large-scale state-sponsored doping aimed at improving Russia's medal performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Russian track and field athletes were barred from competing at the Rio Olympics in 2016 although Russians competing in other events were allowed to take part.

The ban was widened to include all events at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, though Russian competitors who could prove they were above suspicion were able to compete as neutrals under the Olympic flag.

Monday's call from the WADA review panel came after Russian authorities were accused of falsifying laboratory data related to the country's doping scandal, which were handed over to investigators in January.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it backs "the toughest sanctions against all those responsible for this manipulation," while cautioning against blanket sanctions that would punish the innocent.

If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kremlin-says-russia-remains-open-to-cooperation-on-doping-264918">Russia challenges</a> an eventual suspension by WADA the case will go to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose decision will be binding on sports bodies including the International Olympic Committee

Russia's Olympic Committee will do all it can to ensure Russian athletes take part in the 2020 Games, its chief said Thursday, as the country faces a four-year doping ban.

Russia's Olympic Committee will do all it can to ensure Russian athletes take part in the 2020 Games, its chief said Thursday, as the country faces a four-year doping ban. "We will do everything in our power to ensure our team is in Tokyo under the Russian flag," news agency RIA Novosti quoted Stanislav Pozdnyakov as saying. He said there were no "objective obstacles" to the "vast majority" of Russian athletes fully participating in the Olympics. The compliance review committee at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday recommended a four-year sporting ban over falsified lab data it received from Russia. If WADA chiefs adopt the committee's recommendations at a meeting in Paris on December 9, Russia faces exclusion from key sporting events including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The scandal has tainted Russia's sporting reputation since the revelation of large-scale state-sponsored doping aimed at improving Russia's medal performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Russian track and field athletes were barred from competing at the Rio Olympics in 2016 although Russians competing in other events were allowed to take part. The ban was widened to include all events at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, though Russian competitors who could prove they were above suspicion were able to compete as neutrals under the Olympic flag. Monday's call from the WADA review panel came after Russian authorities were accused of falsifying laboratory data related to the country's doping scandal, which were handed over to investigators in January. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it backs "the toughest sanctions against all those responsible for this manipulation," while cautioning against blanket sanctions that would punish the innocent. If Russia challenges an eventual suspension by WADA the case will go to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose decision will be binding on sports bodies including the International Olympic Committee

Olympic chief says will 'do everything' to ensure Russia at 2020 Games

The Kremlin on Wednesday said&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;regrets a proposed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-seeks-russia-ban-over-doping-data-manipulation-264626"> four-year blanket ban</a> for the country's athletes over doping but will remain open to&nbsp;cooperation.

"This is definitely concerning information. We regret this," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

In the Kremlin's first reaction to anti-doping watchdog WADA's compliance review committee's recommendations issued Monday, he stressed that Moscow was open to cooperation with international authorities&nbsp;

"You know the Russian sporting authorities have been, are and will remain as open as possible to cooperation and collaboration with the international sporting community and also with WADA," he said.

If WADA chiefs adopt the review committee's recommendations,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;faces exclusion from key sporting events including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">2020 Tokyo Olympics</a>.

The doping scandal has tainted&nbsp;Russia's sporting reputation for the last five years, after revelations of large-scale state-sponsored doping aimed at improving&nbsp;Russia's medal performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Monday's call from the World Anti-Doping Agency's review panel came after Russian authorities were accused of falsifying laboratory data related to the country's doping scandal, which were handed over to investigators in January.

Peskov said news of the possible ban was "far from joyful for us," but Moscow would await the final decision on the proposed ban by WADA's executive committee on December 9 before making an assessment.

Concerning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-sports-minister-denies-doping-data-was-falsified-260570">tainted data</a>, Peskov insisted&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had provided "detailed explanations" to WADA of the inconsistencies it found.

The Kremlin on Wednesday said Russia regrets a proposed four-year blanket ban for the country's athletes over doping but will remain open to cooperation. "This is definitely concerning information.

The Kremlin on Wednesday said Russia regrets a proposed four-year blanket ban for the country's athletes over doping but will remain open to cooperation. "This is definitely concerning information. We regret this," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. In the Kremlin's first reaction to anti-doping watchdog WADA's compliance review committee's recommendations issued Monday, he stressed that Moscow was open to cooperation with international authorities "You know the Russian sporting authorities have been, are and will remain as open as possible to cooperation and collaboration with the international sporting community and also with WADA," he said. If WADA chiefs adopt the review committee's recommendations, Russia faces exclusion from key sporting events including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The doping scandal has tainted Russia's sporting reputation for the last five years, after revelations of large-scale state-sponsored doping aimed at improving Russia's medal performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Monday's call from the World Anti-Doping Agency's review panel came after Russian authorities were accused of falsifying laboratory data related to the country's doping scandal, which were handed over to investigators in January. Peskov said news of the possible ban was "far from joyful for us," but Moscow would await the final decision on the proposed ban by WADA's executive committee on December 9 before making an assessment. Concerning the tainted data, Peskov insisted Russia had provided "detailed explanations" to WADA of the inconsistencies it found.

Kremlin says Russia remains 'open to cooperation' on doping after proposed WADA ban

Russia could be barred from all sporting competitions including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Tokyo 2020</a> after a key World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) committee recommended a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-ban-looms-for-russia-after-wada-panel-ruling-263992">four-year ban</a> on the country for manipulating laboratory data.

WADA’s Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions which are to be approved at an Executive Committee meeting in Paris on December 9.

In a 26-page report, CRC declared the&nbsp;Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be non-compliant after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-retrieves-more-than-2000-samples-from-tainted-moscow-lab-214962">data handed over</a> by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

The full disclosure of data was a key condition of Russia’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-to-reinstate-russia-after-doping-suspension-165699">reinstatement in 2018</a> after a nearly three-year-long ban which was followed by the revelation of vast state-supported doping programs in the country.&nbsp;

The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted.&nbsp;

The four-year ban was one of the several "strong proposed consequences" by CRC over Russia which is to start "on the date on which the decision that Rusada is non-compliant becomes final".

If the “proposed consequences” are approved, Russia is to face a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support may only be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation.&nbsp;

Russia will not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia has already won a bid, the hosting rights will be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." This could potentially threaten Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a>.

The country will also not be allowed to bid for the right to host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, irrespective of whether the bidding takes place during or after the four year period.

Russian government officials and representatives will be banned from attending and participating in events of any signatory to World Anti Doping Code. They will also be barred from the boards, committees or any other bodies of the same.&nbsp;

Russia’s flag also may not be flown at any major event staged in the four-year period.

RUSADA’s chief Yury Ganus on Tuesday said that he expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-was-not-equipped-to-handle-size-of-russian-doping-scandal-reedie-260238">WADA</a> to uphold the recommendations as “that’s the reality”. &nbsp;

Ganus added that Russia was in urgent need of new sports management, urging &nbsp;President Vladimir Putin to intervene.

"Honestly, I am waiting for the president to take an active part in this," Ganus told reporters.

“There are a lot of problems in sports here but the most difficult and tragic thing is that our athletes have become hostages of the actions of our sports officials...We need to push through real changes...We need new sports leaders,” he added.&nbsp;

The recommendations are the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

Russia could be barred from all sporting competitions including the Tokyo 2020 after a key World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) committee recommended a four-year ban on the country for manipulating laboratory data.

Russia could be barred from all sporting competitions including the Tokyo 2020 after a key World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) committee recommended a four-year ban on the country for manipulating laboratory data. WADA’s Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions which are to be approved at an Executive Committee meeting in Paris on December 9. In a 26-page report, CRC declared the Russian Anti Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". The full disclosure of data was a key condition of Russia’s reinstatement in 2018 after a nearly three-year-long ban which was followed by the revelation of vast state-supported doping programs in the country. The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted. The four-year ban was one of the several "strong proposed consequences" by CRC over Russia which is to start "on the date on which the decision that Rusada is non-compliant becomes final". If the “proposed consequences” are approved, Russia is to face a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support may only be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation. Russia will not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia has already won a bid, the hosting rights will be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." This could potentially threaten Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020. The country will also not be allowed to bid for the right to host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, irrespective of whether the bidding takes place during or after the four year period. Russian government officials and representatives will be banned from attending and participating in events of any signatory to World Anti Doping Code. They will also be barred from the boards, committees or any other bodies of the same. Russia’s flag also may not be flown at any major event staged in the four-year period. RUSADA’s chief Yury Ganus on Tuesday said that he expected WADA to uphold the recommendations as “that’s the reality”. Ganus added that Russia was in urgent need of new sports management, urging President Vladimir Putin to intervene. "Honestly, I am waiting for the president to take an active part in this," Ganus told reporters. “There are a lot of problems in sports here but the most difficult and tragic thing is that our athletes have become hostages of the actions of our sports officials...We need to push through real changes...We need new sports leaders,” he added. The recommendations are the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

WADA seeks Russia ban over doping data manipulation

The prospect of Russia being banned from next year's Olympics loomed closer on Friday as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-anti-doping-agency-to-investigate-athletes-coached-by-banned-salazar-report-259997">World Anti-Doping Agency</a> (WADA) panel recommended the country's drug-testing authority be declared non-compliant with international rules.

In a statement, WADA said its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) had recommended that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) be suspended again when the global anti-doping watchdog's Executive Committee meets in Paris on December 9.

If WADA chiefs adopt the recommendation, Russia faces severe sanctions including a possible ban from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The CRC issued its recommendation after asking Russia to explain "inconsistencies" in laboratory data handed over by Moscow to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wadas-russian-investigation-enters-new-phase-219322">WADA investigators</a> in January.

Full disclosure of data from the Moscow laboratory was a key condition of Russia's controversial reinstatement by WADA in September 2018.

RUSADA had been suspended for nearly three years over revelations of a vast, state-backed doping regime which including a systematic conspiracy to switch tainted samples at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

WADA had previously warned Russia would face the "most stringent sanctions" if any of the data handed over was found to have been tampered with.

In its statement on Friday, WADA said the CRC suggested "serious consequences in line with the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories."&nbsp;

The United States Anti-Doping Agency, which was sharply critical of WADA's decision to lift its suspension of reinstate RUSADA, called for a lengthy ban following Friday's announcement.

"Anything less than a four-year sanction for this critical violation that includes aggravating circumstances following years of denial and deceit would be another injustice in a long line of many for clean athletes," USADA chief executive Travis Tygart said in emailed comments to AFP.

Friday's development is the latest twist to a saga which exploded in 2015, when an independent WADA commission investigating allegations of Russian doping said it had found evidence of a vast state-supported conspiracy stretching back years.

A 2016 report by WADA investigator Richard McLaren said more than 1,000 Russian competitors across multiple&nbsp;sports&nbsp;had benefited from the scheme between 2011 and 2015.

In an interview with AFP last month, RUSADA's chief Yuri Ganus appeared resigned to Russia being handed an Olympic ban, accusing unidentified Moscow authorities of handing over falsified lab data to WADA.

"Russia's Olympic squad will be prevented from participating fully in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.... I think that this will also happen at the (Winter Olympic) Games in China," Ganus told AFP.

Russia was already banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics, although some 168 athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral "Olympic Athlete From Russia" designation.

Ganus said he expected a range of other penalties too, including restrictions on holding international tournaments in Russia, exclusion of Russians from international&nbsp;sports&nbsp;federations and fines.

Ganus insisted RUSADA officials had not been responsible for falsifying the data, insisting his staff "had nothing to do with the database and its transfer."&nbsp;

Russian&nbsp;Sports&nbsp;Minister Pavel Kolobkov later denied the data had been tampered with, stating "nothing was removed" before the cache of information was handed over.&nbsp;

"There was not any manipulation as the head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory, Yuri Ganus, says. That's our position," Kolobkov said.

Friday's announcement by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-was-not-equipped-to-handle-size-of-russian-doping-scandal-reedie-260238">WADA</a> came as World Athletics (formerly IAAF), the governing body for track and field, abruptly halted Russia's reinstatement process into the&nbsp;sport.

The World Athletics decision was taken after the president of the Russian athletics federation (RUSAF), Dmitry Shlyakhtin, and other senior officials were suspended for "serious breaches" of anti-doping rules.

The prospect of Russia being banned from next year's Olympics loomed closer on Friday as a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) panel recommended the country's drug-testing authority be declared non-compliant with international rules.

The prospect of Russia being banned from next year's Olympics loomed closer on Friday as a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) panel recommended the country's drug-testing authority be declared non-compliant with international rules. In a statement, WADA said its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) had recommended that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) be suspended again when the global anti-doping watchdog's Executive Committee meets in Paris on December 9. If WADA chiefs adopt the recommendation, Russia faces severe sanctions including a possible ban from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The CRC issued its recommendation after asking Russia to explain "inconsistencies" in laboratory data handed over by Moscow to WADA investigators in January. Full disclosure of data from the Moscow laboratory was a key condition of Russia's controversial reinstatement by WADA in September 2018. RUSADA had been suspended for nearly three years over revelations of a vast, state-backed doping regime which including a systematic conspiracy to switch tainted samples at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. WADA had previously warned Russia would face the "most stringent sanctions" if any of the data handed over was found to have been tampered with. In its statement on Friday, WADA said the CRC suggested "serious consequences in line with the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories." The United States Anti-Doping Agency, which was sharply critical of WADA's decision to lift its suspension of reinstate RUSADA, called for a lengthy ban following Friday's announcement. "Anything less than a four-year sanction for this critical violation that includes aggravating circumstances following years of denial and deceit would be another injustice in a long line of many for clean athletes," USADA chief executive Travis Tygart said in emailed comments to AFP. Friday's development is the latest twist to a saga which exploded in 2015, when an independent WADA commission investigating allegations of Russian doping said it had found evidence of a vast state-supported conspiracy stretching back years. A 2016 report by WADA investigator Richard McLaren said more than 1,000 Russian competitors across multiple sports had benefited from the scheme between 2011 and 2015. In an interview with AFP last month, RUSADA's chief Yuri Ganus appeared resigned to Russia being handed an Olympic ban, accusing unidentified Moscow authorities of handing over falsified lab data to WADA. "Russia's Olympic squad will be prevented from participating fully in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.... I think that this will also happen at the (Winter Olympic) Games in China," Ganus told AFP. Russia was already banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics, although some 168 athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral "Olympic Athlete From Russia" designation. Ganus said he expected a range of other penalties too, including restrictions on holding international tournaments in Russia, exclusion of Russians from international sports federations and fines. Ganus insisted RUSADA officials had not been responsible for falsifying the data, insisting his staff "had nothing to do with the database and its transfer." Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov later denied the data had been tampered with, stating "nothing was removed" before the cache of information was handed over. "There was not any manipulation as the head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory, Yuri Ganus, says. That's our position," Kolobkov said. Friday's announcement by WADA came as World Athletics (formerly IAAF), the governing body for track and field, abruptly halted Russia's reinstatement process into the sport. The World Athletics decision was taken after the president of the Russian athletics federation (RUSAF), Dmitry Shlyakhtin, and other senior officials were suspended for "serious breaches" of anti-doping rules.

Olympic ban looms for Russia after WADA panel ruling

Outgoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-anti-doping-agency-to-investigate-athletes-coached-by-banned-salazar-report-259997">World Anti-Doping Agency</a> president Craig Reedie said on Tuesday the scale and size of the Russian doping scandal that erupted in 2015 had overwhelmed his organisation at the time.

Speaking at the World Conference on doping in sport, Reedie said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wadas-russian-investigation-enters-new-phase-219322">Russian doping affair</a> that emerged ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and saw the involvement of a vast number of athletes, coaches and officials was the biggest challenge WADA had faced in its 20-year existence.

"The worst case of system failure in my time as president of WADA or in the entire time of the anti-doping movement is Russia," Reedie told the conference.

He said the level of cheating was "unprecedented," leaving WADA under mounting pressure to work for all clean athletes as the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) was declared non-compliant.

"What it (scandal) taught us when it erupted was that we were not equipped to deal with such a large-scale programme," Reedie said.

RUSADA was suspended after the 2015 WADA report found evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian sport and the country was barred from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics the following year.

All Russian athletes also competed as independents at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

RUSADA's suspension was lifted in September 2018 amid strong criticism as WADA gradually got access to key Russian athletes' data from the Russian lab.

But in September WADA said it had again opened compliance proceedings against RUSADA after finding "inconsistencies" in the vast bank of historical testing data finally handed over in January.

That means RUSADA are again at risk of being declared non-compliant and thus putting Russia's participation at the Tokyo Olympics next year at risk.

Reedie did not say when a decision on the matter would be taken.

He later told a news conference he thought there would be no repeat of the situation before the 2016 Olympics where it was unclear which Russian athletes were eligible and which were not as dozens of legal appeals were made over the ban.

"I am pretty confident that in the short term - you mentioned Tokyo 2020 - a repetition of that situation is unlikely," said Reedie, who will be replaced by Poland's sports minister Witold Banka on January&nbsp;1.

"I think we are better at spotting these issues. We have better company structures, and we know much more about the business," said Reedie, who is also an IOC member.

Outgoing World Anti-Doping Agency president Craig Reedie said on Tuesday the scale and size of the Russian doping scandal that erupted in 2015 had overwhelmed his organisation at the time.

Outgoing World Anti-Doping Agency president Craig Reedie said on Tuesday the scale and size of the Russian doping scandal that erupted in 2015 had overwhelmed his organisation at the time. Speaking at the World Conference on doping in sport, Reedie said the Russian doping affair that emerged ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and saw the involvement of a vast number of athletes, coaches and officials was the biggest challenge WADA had faced in its 20-year existence. "The worst case of system failure in my time as president of WADA or in the entire time of the anti-doping movement is Russia," Reedie told the conference. He said the level of cheating was "unprecedented," leaving WADA under mounting pressure to work for all clean athletes as the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) was declared non-compliant. "What it (scandal) taught us when it erupted was that we were not equipped to deal with such a large-scale programme," Reedie said. RUSADA was suspended after the 2015 WADA report found evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian sport and the country was barred from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics the following year. All Russian athletes also competed as independents at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. RUSADA's suspension was lifted in September 2018 amid strong criticism as WADA gradually got access to key Russian athletes' data from the Russian lab. But in September WADA said it had again opened compliance proceedings against RUSADA after finding "inconsistencies" in the vast bank of historical testing data finally handed over in January. That means RUSADA are again at risk of being declared non-compliant and thus putting Russia's participation at the Tokyo Olympics next year at risk. Reedie did not say when a decision on the matter would be taken. He later told a news conference he thought there would be no repeat of the situation before the 2016 Olympics where it was unclear which Russian athletes were eligible and which were not as dozens of legal appeals were made over the ban. "I am pretty confident that in the short term - you mentioned Tokyo 2020 - a repetition of that situation is unlikely," said Reedie, who will be replaced by Poland's sports minister Witold Banka on January 1. "I think we are better at spotting these issues. We have better company structures, and we know much more about the business," said Reedie, who is also an IOC member.

WADA was not equipped to handle size of Russian doping scandal: Reedie

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-anti-doping-agency-to-investigate-athletes-coached-by-banned-salazar-report-259997">World Anti-doping Agency</a> (WADA) wants commercial sponsors to contribute financially to the fight against doping in sport as part of their corporate responsibility, the next WADA President said on Tuesday.

Witold Banka, Poland's Tourism and Sports Minister who will take over the WADA leadership from Craig Reedie on January&nbsp;1, said the organisation urgently needed to increase revenues and being a sponsor of sports events came with a responsibility.

"I am not the Christopher Columbus of anti-doping policy. It is not a new idea to engage big sponsors as part of their corporate social responsibility," Banka told an international anti-doping conference.

"That will be one of the biggest tasks: to convince the big companies to join the Olympic anti-doping solidarity fund," he added.

WADA has a budget of about $35 million&nbsp;annually while the overall spending on anti-doping around the world, including by national anti-doping agencies, does not exceed $260 million.

In comparison, broadcasters pay billions of dollars to secure rights of major sports such as the soccer World Cup and the Olympics.

Olympic sponsors will pay the International Olympic Committee more than one billion dollars for the 2017-2020 quadrennium to be associated with the Games while broadcasters will pay about $5 billion for Games rights for the same period.

Banka said WADA had to find new streams of revenue if it was to continue its fight to root out cheats.

WADA has been struggling with a vast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wadas-russian-investigation-enters-new-phase-219322">Russian doping scandal</a> for more than four years in a process that has required considerable funds.

Russia's track and field team was banned from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 while the entire Russian Olympic team at the Pyeongchang winter Games competed as independents as a result of that scandal.

"We cannot keep raising contributions. We need to find some alternative solutions how we can increase the budget for anti-doping," said the 35-year-old Banka, a former European junior 400m champion.

"We have to convince the biggest partners that if you are a sponsor of sport you have to be a sponsor of clean sport."

The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) wants commercial sponsors to contribute financially to the fight against doping in sport as part of their corporate responsibility, the next WADA President said on Tuesday.

The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) wants commercial sponsors to contribute financially to the fight against doping in sport as part of their corporate responsibility, the next WADA President said on Tuesday. Witold Banka, Poland's Tourism and Sports Minister who will take over the WADA leadership from Craig Reedie on January 1, said the organisation urgently needed to increase revenues and being a sponsor of sports events came with a responsibility. "I am not the Christopher Columbus of anti-doping policy. It is not a new idea to engage big sponsors as part of their corporate social responsibility," Banka told an international anti-doping conference. "That will be one of the biggest tasks: to convince the big companies to join the Olympic anti-doping solidarity fund," he added. WADA has a budget of about $35 million annually while the overall spending on anti-doping around the world, including by national anti-doping agencies, does not exceed $260 million. In comparison, broadcasters pay billions of dollars to secure rights of major sports such as the soccer World Cup and the Olympics. Olympic sponsors will pay the International Olympic Committee more than one billion dollars for the 2017-2020 quadrennium to be associated with the Games while broadcasters will pay about $5 billion for Games rights for the same period. Banka said WADA had to find new streams of revenue if it was to continue its fight to root out cheats. WADA has been struggling with a vast Russian doping scandal for more than four years in a process that has required considerable funds. Russia's track and field team was banned from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 while the entire Russian Olympic team at the Pyeongchang winter Games competed as independents as a result of that scandal. "We cannot keep raising contributions. We need to find some alternative solutions how we can increase the budget for anti-doping," said the 35-year-old Banka, a former European junior 400m champion. "We have to convince the biggest partners that if you are a sponsor of sport you have to be a sponsor of clean sport."

WADA to ask commercial sponsors for money in anti-doping fight

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Craig Reedie has said the organisation will look into athletes who trained under banned coach Alberto Salazar as part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nike-shuts-down-oregon-project-after-coach-salazar-banned-255212">Nike Oregon Project </a>(NOP), according to a London Times report on Tuesday.

Salazar, who counts Britain's Olympic and world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/athletics-farah-splits-with-coach-salazar-moving-back-to-london-23172">Mo Farah</a> among the top distance runners he has coached, was last month banned for four years by the US&nbsp;Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for doping violations.

The USADA investigation found no evidence of any wrongdoing by Salazar's athletes.

"We can look back at what testing these athletes have been subjected to over the years," Reedie told The Times. "But it will be more interesting for us if there are samples we can retest."

According to the report, USADA officials are in the process of sending all of their evidence to WADA's headquarters and The Times understands it would be willing to work alongside the global agency.

USADA chief Travis Tygart told the newspaper in a statement: "We invited WADA to be observers and what they would have seen is that we left no stone unturned. That said, we are happily compiling the evidence and sending it to them."

American Salazar, who was a celebrated distance runner, winning three consecutive New York City marathons starting in 1980, has vowed to appeal his ban.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Craig Reedie has said the organisation will look into athletes who trained under banned coach Alberto Salazar as part of the Nike Oregon Project (NOP), according to a London Times report on Tuesday.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Craig Reedie has said the organisation will look into athletes who trained under banned coach Alberto Salazar as part of the Nike Oregon Project (NOP), according to a London Times report on Tuesday. Salazar, who counts Britain's Olympic and world champion Mo Farah among the top distance runners he has coached, was last month banned for four years by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for doping violations. The USADA investigation found no evidence of any wrongdoing by Salazar's athletes. "We can look back at what testing these athletes have been subjected to over the years," Reedie told The Times. "But it will be more interesting for us if there are samples we can retest." According to the report, USADA officials are in the process of sending all of their evidence to WADA's headquarters and The Times understands it would be willing to work alongside the global agency. USADA chief Travis Tygart told the newspaper in a statement: "We invited WADA to be observers and what they would have seen is that we left no stone unturned. That said, we are happily compiling the evidence and sending it to them." American Salazar, who was a celebrated distance runner, winning three consecutive New York City marathons starting in 1980, has vowed to appeal his ban.

World Anti Doping Agency to investigate athletes coached by banned Salazar - Report

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has opened compliance proceedings against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) over what it said were inconsistencies in data supplied to WADA in January.

The news means RUSADA is in danger of being declared non-compliant by WADA only months after a suspension was lifted, which could put increased pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude Russia from the Tokyo Olympics next year for failing to ensure that its athletes are clean.

The WADA Executive Committee received a report from its Compliance Review Committee on Monday updating it on the analysis of data from the Moscow laboratory which contained the results of thousands of anti-doping tests undergone by Russian sportsmen and women.

"The ExCO was informed that further investigation ... of inconsistencies in Moscow Laboratory data had led WADA to open a formal compliance procedure against RUSADA on 17 September 2019," WADA said in a statement.

It said 47 cases had been highlighted and were being acted on.

Jonathan Taylor, chair of WADA's Compliance Review Committee, presented the information to the executive committee in Tokyo on Monday.

WADA has been under huge pressure to bring Russia into line since a 2015 report outlined evidence of systematic, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wadas-russian-investigation-enters-new-phase-219322">state-backed doping</a> in Russian athletics.

That was amplified a year later when a report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren revealed doping and testing manipulation in Russia across many sports.

Last September, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-probe-russian-agents-over-wada-cyber-attack-165811">WADA</a> executive committee voted to reinstate RUSADA before it had fulfilled the requirements laid out in a "Roadmap to Compliance", which included handing over the data from the Moscow lab.

After the data and samples from the Moscow lab were finally handed over, WADA investigators performed analysis before passing on the information to international sports federations to take measures against the athletes.

Last month, the International Weightlifting Federation provisionally suspended 12 Russian athletes for doping violations based on data from the Moscow laboratory.

The Russian Athletics Federation (Rusaf) remains banned from international competition.

The governing council of the IAAF, athletics' ruling body, meets in Doha on Monday, with the latest report from its Russia task force and possible reinstatement of Rusaf on the agenda.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has opened compliance proceedings against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) over what it said were inconsistencies in data supplied to WADA in January.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has opened compliance proceedings against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) over what it said were inconsistencies in data supplied to WADA in January. The news means RUSADA is in danger of being declared non-compliant by WADA only months after a suspension was lifted, which could put increased pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude Russia from the Tokyo Olympics next year for failing to ensure that its athletes are clean. The WADA Executive Committee received a report from its Compliance Review Committee on Monday updating it on the analysis of data from the Moscow laboratory which contained the results of thousands of anti-doping tests undergone by Russian sportsmen and women. "The ExCO was informed that further investigation ... of inconsistencies in Moscow Laboratory data had led WADA to open a formal compliance procedure against RUSADA on 17 September 2019," WADA said in a statement. It said 47 cases had been highlighted and were being acted on. Jonathan Taylor, chair of WADA's Compliance Review Committee, presented the information to the executive committee in Tokyo on Monday. WADA has been under huge pressure to bring Russia into line since a 2015 report outlined evidence of systematic, state-backed doping in Russian athletics. That was amplified a year later when a report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren revealed doping and testing manipulation in Russia across many sports. Last September, the WADA executive committee voted to reinstate RUSADA before it had fulfilled the requirements laid out in a "Roadmap to Compliance", which included handing over the data from the Moscow lab. After the data and samples from the Moscow lab were finally handed over, WADA investigators performed analysis before passing on the information to international sports federations to take measures against the athletes. Last month, the International Weightlifting Federation provisionally suspended 12 Russian athletes for doping violations based on data from the Moscow laboratory. The Russian Athletics Federation (Rusaf) remains banned from international competition. The governing council of the IAAF, athletics' ruling body, meets in Doha on Monday, with the latest report from its Russia task force and possible reinstatement of Rusaf on the agenda.

Russian Anti-Doping Agency to be held for inconsistent data

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi has been suspended for up to six months for not conforming to international standards, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Thursday.

The suspension, which took effect on Tuesday, prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples.

Any samples not yet tested or undergoing a confirmation procedure will be moved to another WADA-accredited laboratory.

WADA said in a statement that it had found non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories during a site visit.

If the laboratory satisfies WADA's Laboratory Expert Group that it has addressed the issues it may apply for early reinstatement.

WADA also said it could extend the suspension for another six months should the laboratory not address non-conformities.

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi has been suspended for up to six months for not conforming to international standards, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Thursday.

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi has been suspended for up to six months for not conforming to international standards, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Thursday. The suspension, which took effect on Tuesday, prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples. Any samples not yet tested or undergoing a confirmation procedure will be moved to another WADA-accredited laboratory. WADA said in a statement that it had found non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories during a site visit. If the laboratory satisfies WADA's Laboratory Expert Group that it has addressed the issues it may apply for early reinstatement. WADA also said it could extend the suspension for another six months should the laboratory not address non-conformities.

WADA suspends India dope testing laboratory

India's dope testing laboratory has already addressed most of the concerns raised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about its standards and will apply within three weeks for its early reinstatement, a key government official told Reuters on Friday.

WADA said on Thursday the New Delhi-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-suspends-india-dope-testing-laboratory-244954">National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) has been suspended for up to six months</a> for not conforming to international standards.

The suspension prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples.

The WADA said NDTL could apply for early reinstatement if it satisfied its Laboratory Expert Group that it has addressed the issues.

Radhey Shyam Julaniya, India's sports secretary, said WADA had visited the laboratory last September.

"WADA pointed out the deficiencies in September 2018," Julaniya, who also serves as the NDTL's chief executive, told Reuters.

"The deficiencies have already been sorted out, complied with and overcome, and WADA was satisfied in 90% of the cases," he said.

"They wanted some more information and wanted validation through an international experts' visit. They have not been able to allot time and visit and said they will do it sometime in January next year.

"We explained we now have a full-time director, full employee strength and our performance is at par with any other country so send your team to take a decision. I told them 'you are administering medicine when the disease has been cured.'"

During the suspension, which took effect on Tuesday, any samples not yet tested or undergoing a confirmation procedure will be moved to another WADA-accredited laboratory.

According to the World Anti-Doping Code, the laboratory has the option to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the WADA decision.

"We are taking legal opinion while preparing all the extra paperwork WADA asked for," said Julaniya, who refused to call the WADA decision a setback.

"It generally takes four months for the paperwork but we will prepare it in three weeks and send."

India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is confident the world body's decision would not hamper the country's fight against doping with the next Olympic Games in Tokyo less than a year away.

"The anti-doping programme of NADA does not get effected," NADA director general Navin Agarwal said in an email. "The pre-Olympic testing will continue as planned."

Julaniya said laboratories in some European countries charge four times, and in some cases 10 times, more than what testing a sample at the NDTL costs.

He said the NDTL was encouraging "more and more" East European and African nations to test their athletes' samples in India.

"Informally they wanted that we should have a different rate for international samples and for national athletes," Julaniya said, ruing that India does not have a representation on the WADA board, something they want to fix in the near future.

"We took the position that if our rates are lower, the other laboratories should reduce their rates rather than us increasing because this is a service and not a business.

"I do not rule out that there might be some business interest of the other laboratories. This is basically a message to the East European and African countries that don't go to India, their laboratory is discredited."

India's dope testing laboratory has already addressed most of the concerns raised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about its standards and will apply within three weeks for its early reinstatement, a key government official told Reuters on Friday.

India's dope testing laboratory has already addressed most of the concerns raised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about its standards and will apply within three weeks for its early reinstatement, a key government official told Reuters on Friday. WADA said on Thursday the New Delhi-based National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) has been suspended for up to six months for not conforming to international standards. The suspension prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples. The WADA said NDTL could apply for early reinstatement if it satisfied its Laboratory Expert Group that it has addressed the issues. Radhey Shyam Julaniya, India's sports secretary, said WADA had visited the laboratory last September. "WADA pointed out the deficiencies in September 2018," Julaniya, who also serves as the NDTL's chief executive, told Reuters. "The deficiencies have already been sorted out, complied with and overcome, and WADA was satisfied in 90% of the cases," he said. "They wanted some more information and wanted validation through an international experts' visit. They have not been able to allot time and visit and said they will do it sometime in January next year. "We explained we now have a full-time director, full employee strength and our performance is at par with any other country so send your team to take a decision. I told them 'you are administering medicine when the disease has been cured.'" During the suspension, which took effect on Tuesday, any samples not yet tested or undergoing a confirmation procedure will be moved to another WADA-accredited laboratory. According to the World Anti-Doping Code, the laboratory has the option to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the WADA decision. "We are taking legal opinion while preparing all the extra paperwork WADA asked for," said Julaniya, who refused to call the WADA decision a setback. "It generally takes four months for the paperwork but we will prepare it in three weeks and send." India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is confident the world body's decision would not hamper the country's fight against doping with the next Olympic Games in Tokyo less than a year away. "The anti-doping programme of NADA does not get effected," NADA director general Navin Agarwal said in an email. "The pre-Olympic testing will continue as planned." Julaniya said laboratories in some European countries charge four times, and in some cases 10 times, more than what testing a sample at the NDTL costs. He said the NDTL was encouraging "more and more" East European and African nations to test their athletes' samples in India. "Informally they wanted that we should have a different rate for international samples and for national athletes," Julaniya said, ruing that India does not have a representation on the WADA board, something they want to fix in the near future. "We took the position that if our rates are lower, the other laboratories should reduce their rates rather than us increasing because this is a service and not a business. "I do not rule out that there might be some business interest of the other laboratories. This is basically a message to the East European and African countries that don't go to India, their laboratory is discredited."

India plans WADA appeal in three weeks for early lab reinstatement

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has begun to build cases against drug cheats with the help of raw data retrieved from a Moscow laboratory as the Russia doping investigation enters a new and perhaps final phase, WADA said on Thursday.

Gunter Younger, WADA's director of intelligence, told the Foundation board that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-retrieves-more-than-2000-samples-from-tainted-moscow-lab-214962">first cases built on data mined from the infamous lab</a> had been turned over to international federations and he expected that work to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter this year.

After forcing Russian authorities in January to surrender raw data stored in the Moscow lab and later securing thousands of urine and blood samples, WADA is in the process of analysing that material and connecting the dots that could lead to hundreds more sanctions.

Younger reported that 24 million documents of data have been analysed and are being compared with multiple other sources, including Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) data obtained through a confidential source in 2015.

"We have already started, one federation has already received a package," Younger told Reuters. "There was a very high degree of matching between the data collected in January and the LIMS data.

"The strongest cases we have now identified.

"We will now start with case one we consider strongest, get into the data base get the raw data and with our raw data we go to our lab experts.

"The lab experts look at raw data and say yes this is a really strong case go ahead. Then we prepare all the evidence and approach the federation."

WADA has been under immense pressure to deal with Russia since a 2015 report outlined evidence of state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics which was amplified a year later when a report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren revealed doping and testing manipulation across many sports.

The heat was turned up last September when the WADA executive committee, ignoring the outrage of numerous athletes groups, voted to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) before it had fulfilled the requirements laid out in a Roadmap to Compliance, including access to data in the Moscow lab.

After being bombarded by criticism and with an end to the long-running doping saga now in sight, a vindicated WADA president Craig Reedie is confident that history will show they made the right decision by provisionally reinstating RUSADA.

"Successfully getting the data and then the samples was the real game changer," Reedie told Reuters. "The accusation is that we were weak on Russia but if you look at it, it was our Compliance Review Committee who decided to try to break the logjam on the compliance of RUSADA.

"Instead of waiting for Russia to come to us we actually went to them saying we will make you compliant if you deal with these conditions and they did," Reedie added.

"Was it the right decision, yes it was, loud and clear and we have delivered. I would be happy if the rest of the world now understood WADA did the correct thing."

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has begun to build cases against drug cheats with the help of raw data retrieved from a Moscow laboratory as the Russia doping investigation enters a new and perhaps final phase, WADA said on Thursday.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has begun to build cases against drug cheats with the help of raw data retrieved from a Moscow laboratory as the Russia doping investigation enters a new and perhaps final phase, WADA said on Thursday. Gunter Younger, WADA's director of intelligence, told the Foundation board that the first cases built on data mined from the infamous lab had been turned over to international federations and he expected that work to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter this year. After forcing Russian authorities in January to surrender raw data stored in the Moscow lab and later securing thousands of urine and blood samples, WADA is in the process of analysing that material and connecting the dots that could lead to hundreds more sanctions. Younger reported that 24 million documents of data have been analysed and are being compared with multiple other sources, including Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) data obtained through a confidential source in 2015. "We have already started, one federation has already received a package," Younger told Reuters. "There was a very high degree of matching between the data collected in January and the LIMS data. "The strongest cases we have now identified. "We will now start with case one we consider strongest, get into the data base get the raw data and with our raw data we go to our lab experts. "The lab experts look at raw data and say yes this is a really strong case go ahead. Then we prepare all the evidence and approach the federation." WADA has been under immense pressure to deal with Russia since a 2015 report outlined evidence of state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics which was amplified a year later when a report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren revealed doping and testing manipulation across many sports. The heat was turned up last September when the WADA executive committee, ignoring the outrage of numerous athletes groups, voted to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) before it had fulfilled the requirements laid out in a Roadmap to Compliance, including access to data in the Moscow lab. After being bombarded by criticism and with an end to the long-running doping saga now in sight, a vindicated WADA president Craig Reedie is confident that history will show they made the right decision by provisionally reinstating RUSADA. "Successfully getting the data and then the samples was the real game changer," Reedie told Reuters. "The accusation is that we were weak on Russia but if you look at it, it was our Compliance Review Committee who decided to try to break the logjam on the compliance of RUSADA. "Instead of waiting for Russia to come to us we actually went to them saying we will make you compliant if you deal with these conditions and they did," Reedie added. "Was it the right decision, yes it was, loud and clear and we have delivered. I would be happy if the rest of the world now understood WADA did the correct thing."

WADA's Russian investigation enters new phase

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Tuesday it had retrieved more than 2,000 samples from a tainted Moscow laboratory that will be used to strengthen cases against athletes who may have cheated.

WADA said in a statement a five-person team retrieved 2,262 samples from the laboratory, which had been split into A and B samples contained within&nbsp;4,524 collection bottles.

All samples targeted in advance of the mission were located and extracted and are currently being sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory outside of Russia.

"These samples will be used to strengthen cases against those who may have cheated and may exonerate athletes who have not committed an anti-doping rule violation," WADA Intelligence and Investigations Director Gunter Younger, who is leading the process, said in a statement.

WADA also said the authentication process of the Moscow data it extracted in January, one of the final hurdles to be cleared in the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's (RUSADA) conditional reinstatement, is close to completion.

According to WADA, a progress report on that process will be sent in early May to the independent Compliance Review Committee and an update will be presented at the May 15-16 WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings in Montreal.

WADA voted last September, amid widespread protests, to conditionally restore RUSADA's accreditation as long as it allowed inspectors access to the Moscow lab and data to which it had long been denied.

RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report outlined evidence of systematic, state-backed doping in Russian athletics. Another report the following year documented more than 1,000 doping cases across dozens of sports, notably at the Winter Olympics that Russia hosted in Sochi in 2014.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Tuesday it had retrieved more than 2,000 samples from a tainted Moscow laboratory that will be used to strengthen cases against athletes who may have cheated.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Tuesday it had retrieved more than 2,000 samples from a tainted Moscow laboratory that will be used to strengthen cases against athletes who may have cheated. WADA said in a statement a five-person team retrieved 2,262 samples from the laboratory, which had been split into A and B samples contained within 4,524 collection bottles. All samples targeted in advance of the mission were located and extracted and are currently being sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory outside of Russia. "These samples will be used to strengthen cases against those who may have cheated and may exonerate athletes who have not committed an anti-doping rule violation," WADA Intelligence and Investigations Director Gunter Younger, who is leading the process, said in a statement. WADA also said the authentication process of the Moscow data it extracted in January, one of the final hurdles to be cleared in the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's (RUSADA) conditional reinstatement, is close to completion. According to WADA, a progress report on that process will be sent in early May to the independent Compliance Review Committee and an update will be presented at the May 15-16 WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings in Montreal. WADA voted last September, amid widespread protests, to conditionally restore RUSADA's accreditation as long as it allowed inspectors access to the Moscow lab and data to which it had long been denied. RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report outlined evidence of systematic, state-backed doping in Russian athletics. Another report the following year documented more than 1,000 doping cases across dozens of sports, notably at the Winter Olympics that Russia hosted in Sochi in 2014.

WADA retrieves more than 2,000 samples from tainted Moscow lab

The World Anti-Doping Agency said North Korea's testing programme has failed to comply with its code, threatening to derail a joint Korean bid for the 2032 summer Olympics.&nbsp;

WADA gave Pyongyang four months to address doping concerns raised in a review in September, but the agency announced late Wednesday that the deadline to correct "non-conformities" had passed without reply from the reclusive regime.

"The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announces that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Anti-Doping Committee... is, effective today, non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code," the Montreal-based agency said, using North Korea's official name. &nbsp;

The concerns related to the implementation of its testing programme, it added.

WADA's decision casts a shadow on Seoul's ambitious bid to jointly host the 2032 Olympics with a North Korean city, likely its capital Pyongyang.&nbsp;

Any country submitting a bid is required to be in compliance with WADA's code.

North Korean athletes could also be excluded from competing in the Olympics or other international competitions under WADA rules requiring them to conform with the code "as a condition of such participation". &nbsp;

WADA said the issue will be discussed at an International Olympic Committee meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday, where sports officials from the two Koreas were expected to inform the committee of their decision to bid.&nbsp;

South Korea chose Seoul as its candidate city on Monday, with mayor Park Won-soon saying co-hosting the Olympics would be "the last stop to establish the peace".&nbsp;

The last time Seoul hosted the summer Olympics, in 1988, Pyongyang boycotted the Games.

In recent months the two Koreas have turned to sports diplomacy to ease tensions.&nbsp;

During the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics last year, North Korea sent leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, to express the regime's interest in an inter-Korean summit.

That paved the way for a whirl of diplomacy including three inter-Korean summits in six months and a landmark June 12 Singapore meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. &nbsp;

A Seoul government official said it was verifying the reports and declined to immediately comment. &nbsp;

The World Anti-Doping Agency said North Korea's testing programme has failed to comply with its code, threatening to derail a joint Korean bid for the 2032 summer Olympics.

The World Anti-Doping Agency said North Korea's testing programme has failed to comply with its code, threatening to derail a joint Korean bid for the 2032 summer Olympics. WADA gave Pyongyang four months to address doping concerns raised in a review in September, but the agency announced late Wednesday that the deadline to correct "non-conformities" had passed without reply from the reclusive regime. "The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announces that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Anti-Doping Committee... is, effective today, non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code," the Montreal-based agency said, using North Korea's official name. The concerns related to the implementation of its testing programme, it added. WADA's decision casts a shadow on Seoul's ambitious bid to jointly host the 2032 Olympics with a North Korean city, likely its capital Pyongyang. Any country submitting a bid is required to be in compliance with WADA's code. North Korean athletes could also be excluded from competing in the Olympics or other international competitions under WADA rules requiring them to conform with the code "as a condition of such participation". WADA said the issue will be discussed at an International Olympic Committee meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday, where sports officials from the two Koreas were expected to inform the committee of their decision to bid. South Korea chose Seoul as its candidate city on Monday, with mayor Park Won-soon saying co-hosting the Olympics would be "the last stop to establish the peace". The last time Seoul hosted the summer Olympics, in 1988, Pyongyang boycotted the Games. In recent months the two Koreas have turned to sports diplomacy to ease tensions. During the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics last year, North Korea sent leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, to express the regime's interest in an inter-Korean summit. That paved the way for a whirl of diplomacy including three inter-Korean summits in six months and a landmark June 12 Singapore meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A Seoul government official said it was verifying the reports and declined to immediately comment.

WADA says North Korea not complying with anti-doping code

Russia's athletics federation said on Friday it would withdraw its appeal against the decision by the global athletics governing body IAAF to prolong its suspension over evidence of state-sponsored doping.

The federation had filed an appeal against at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in September against IAAF's decision to extend the ban, imposed in November 2015.

The federation said its withdrawal of the appeal was linked to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision this week not to suspend RUSADA, Russia's anti-doping agency, despite Moscow missing a deadline to hand over laboratory data.

For the Russian athletics federation to be reinstated, the Athletics Integrity Unit must confirm it has been given access to data and samples from the former Moscow anti-doping laboratory. WADA said this month it had retrieved the laboratory data.

The federation must also cover legal costs and the cost of IAAF investigations before the ban can be lifted.

"I'm convinced that at this time we must concentrate our efforts on negotiations and communication with IAAF regarding the reinstatement of the Russian athletics federation, and not waste time and effort on judicial processes," federation president Dmitry Shlyakhtin said in a statement.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport told Reuters on Friday it had not been notified that the federation wanted to withdraw its appeal.

The IAAF did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Although the federation remains suspended, several Russian athletes, including 2015 world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, have been cleared to compete internationally as neutrals after demonstrating they are training in doping-free environments.

The IAAF's next Council meeting is set to take place March 10-11 in Doha.

Russia's athletics federation said on Friday it would withdraw its appeal against the decision by the global athletics governing body IAAF to prolong its suspension over evidence of state-sponsored doping.

Russia's athletics federation said on Friday it would withdraw its appeal against the decision by the global athletics governing body IAAF to prolong its suspension over evidence of state-sponsored doping. The federation had filed an appeal against at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in September against IAAF's decision to extend the ban, imposed in November 2015. The federation said its withdrawal of the appeal was linked to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision this week not to suspend RUSADA, Russia's anti-doping agency, despite Moscow missing a deadline to hand over laboratory data. For the Russian athletics federation to be reinstated, the Athletics Integrity Unit must confirm it has been given access to data and samples from the former Moscow anti-doping laboratory. WADA said this month it had retrieved the laboratory data. The federation must also cover legal costs and the cost of IAAF investigations before the ban can be lifted. "I'm convinced that at this time we must concentrate our efforts on negotiations and communication with IAAF regarding the reinstatement of the Russian athletics federation, and not waste time and effort on judicial processes," federation president Dmitry Shlyakhtin said in a statement. The Court of Arbitration for Sport told Reuters on Friday it had not been notified that the federation wanted to withdraw its appeal. The IAAF did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Although the federation remains suspended, several Russian athletes, including 2015 world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, have been cleared to compete internationally as neutrals after demonstrating they are training in doping-free environments. The IAAF's next Council meeting is set to take place March 10-11 in Doha.

Russian athletics federation withdraws appeal against doping ban

The head of the Russian doping agency, RUSADA, has written to WADA before the global body's executive committee meets on Tuesday when recommendations on Russia's compliance in the long-running doping saga are set to be discussed.

In the letter dated January 18, a copy of which was issued to the media Saturday, director Yury Ganus said it was not his agency's fault that a key deadline was missed to hand over data from a drug-tainted Moscow lab to WADA investigators.

"I assure you that although RUSADA has no authority and rights to provide access (to the lab's data)... The agency made and is making efforts to ensure fulfilment of the WADA Executive Committee requirements under September 20, 2018 by the deadline," it says.

WADA had demanded in September that the data be handed over by the end of 2018. But the transfer did not happen as planned last month due to Russian authorities raising objections to the WADA experts' equipment.

WADA said Friday its representatives had finally "successfully retrieved" the data during a visit earlier this week.

It will be examined in a bid to shed light on which Russian competitors were guilty of doping and who can be cleared to compete.

Richard McLaren, the Canadian lawyer whose 2016 report exposed state-sponsored doping in Russia, said the December data hold-up was "puzzling" and suggested it was caused by a "power struggle" within the country.

In his letter, Ganus listed the various strides his agency made to be fully reinstated following its suspension in 2016 over McLaren's findings.

"The agency underwent substantial, full and profound transformation... Having replaced more than 90 percent of its staff and dismissed 100 percent of doping control officers," the letter said.

RUSADA's funding "was transferred from the Ministry of Sport since 2017" to ensure independence, and cooperation was stepped up both with international organisations and Russian law enforcement agencies, it said.

The new RUSADA "shares the values of clean sport," the letter says.

"We are doing our best to bring RUSADA to compliance... Within the scope of our authorities," it says.

Ganus previously pleaded with the Kremlin to allow WADA access to the Moscow lab in late December in order to ensure WADA's deadline was met. But his request was rebuked by President Vladimir Putin's spokesman who said Ganus "doesn't know the details".

The head of the Russian doping agency, RUSADA, has written to WADA before the global body's executive committee meets on Tuesday when recommendations on Russia's compliance in the long-running doping saga are set to be discussed.

The head of the Russian doping agency, RUSADA, has written to WADA before the global body's executive committee meets on Tuesday when recommendations on Russia's compliance in the long-running doping saga are set to be discussed. In the letter dated January 18, a copy of which was issued to the media Saturday, director Yury Ganus said it was not his agency's fault that a key deadline was missed to hand over data from a drug-tainted Moscow lab to WADA investigators. "I assure you that although RUSADA has no authority and rights to provide access (to the lab's data)... The agency made and is making efforts to ensure fulfilment of the WADA Executive Committee requirements under September 20, 2018 by the deadline," it says. WADA had demanded in September that the data be handed over by the end of 2018. But the transfer did not happen as planned last month due to Russian authorities raising objections to the WADA experts' equipment. WADA said Friday its representatives had finally "successfully retrieved" the data during a visit earlier this week. It will be examined in a bid to shed light on which Russian competitors were guilty of doping and who can be cleared to compete. Richard McLaren, the Canadian lawyer whose 2016 report exposed state-sponsored doping in Russia, said the December data hold-up was "puzzling" and suggested it was caused by a "power struggle" within the country. In his letter, Ganus listed the various strides his agency made to be fully reinstated following its suspension in 2016 over McLaren's findings. "The agency underwent substantial, full and profound transformation... Having replaced more than 90 percent of its staff and dismissed 100 percent of doping control officers," the letter said. RUSADA's funding "was transferred from the Ministry of Sport since 2017" to ensure independence, and cooperation was stepped up both with international organisations and Russian law enforcement agencies, it said. The new RUSADA "shares the values of clean sport," the letter says. "We are doing our best to bring RUSADA to compliance... Within the scope of our authorities," it says. Ganus previously pleaded with the Kremlin to allow WADA access to the Moscow lab in late December in order to ensure WADA's deadline was met. But his request was rebuked by President Vladimir Putin's spokesman who said Ganus "doesn't know the details".

Russian anti-doping agency pleads case ahead of WADA meeting

Due to a threat of interference in the collection of doping data and safety concerns for their inspection team, the Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will not file a report until the Moscow mission is complete, said the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Tuesday.

Following two days of meetings at WADA's Montreal headquarters the CRC had said it would submit a report on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's (RUSADA) code compliance status to the executive committee by no later than Thursday.

But with the inspection team still in Russia retrieving data from the tainted Moscow laboratory, WADA was unwilling to put either the process or team members at risk.

"The CRC will not send us their report and recommendation until the team is out of Russia," WADA director general Olivier Niggli told Reuters on Tuesday.

"The only thing they (CRC) said was they don't want to send that until they have confirmation the mission is out of Russia.

"It is not just out of safety concerns it is also to ensure that there is no interference with the mission in Russia.

"From what I hear the mission is going well we will do nothing to actually risk that mission when this has been the whole goal for what we have been doing the last three months."

Access to the Moscow lab and data was a condition of WADA's controversial September decision to provisionally reinstate RUSADA.

The inspection team, which has been in Moscow since last Wednesday, is close to wrapping up its mission and any delays in producing a report would be minor.

The executive committee will consider the CRC's recommendations and will announce its ruling on Jan. 22 as scheduled.

WADA would not elaborate on what safety concerns they have but they were enough to trigger a change in plans.

The CRC on Monday was preparing a report, with input from a WADA inspection team that last month was denied access to the Moscow data, and would present its recommendations to the executive board by Jan. 17 as planned.

If the inspection team, however, completed its work before Jan. 22, the CRC indicated it was prepared to rewrite it, taking into account any new information.

By the time the CRC left WADA headquarters on Tuesday it had been decided they would not make any recommendations until the inspection team had completed its job and left Russia.

"The CRC is going to prepare an ongoing document and they will have to get this final information to conclude it," said Niggli.

"But it is not going to take them very long once we have told them the guys (inspection team) are finished and then we want the executive to have a little bit of time to consider it but I think one day difference is not a big deal.

"All I can say now is that the mission is going in the right direction."

Due to a threat of interference in the collection of doping data and safety concerns for their inspection team, the Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will not file a report until the Moscow mission is complete, said the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Tuesday.

Due to a threat of interference in the collection of doping data and safety concerns for their inspection team, the Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will not file a report until the Moscow mission is complete, said the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Tuesday. Following two days of meetings at WADA's Montreal headquarters the CRC had said it would submit a report on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's (RUSADA) code compliance status to the executive committee by no later than Thursday. But with the inspection team still in Russia retrieving data from the tainted Moscow laboratory, WADA was unwilling to put either the process or team members at risk. "The CRC will not send us their report and recommendation until the team is out of Russia," WADA director general Olivier Niggli told Reuters on Tuesday. "The only thing they (CRC) said was they don't want to send that until they have confirmation the mission is out of Russia. "It is not just out of safety concerns it is also to ensure that there is no interference with the mission in Russia. "From what I hear the mission is going well we will do nothing to actually risk that mission when this has been the whole goal for what we have been doing the last three months." Access to the Moscow lab and data was a condition of WADA's controversial September decision to provisionally reinstate RUSADA. The inspection team, which has been in Moscow since last Wednesday, is close to wrapping up its mission and any delays in producing a report would be minor. The executive committee will consider the CRC's recommendations and will announce its ruling on Jan. 22 as scheduled. WADA would not elaborate on what safety concerns they have but they were enough to trigger a change in plans. The CRC on Monday was preparing a report, with input from a WADA inspection team that last month was denied access to the Moscow data, and would present its recommendations to the executive board by Jan. 17 as planned. If the inspection team, however, completed its work before Jan. 22, the CRC indicated it was prepared to rewrite it, taking into account any new information. By the time the CRC left WADA headquarters on Tuesday it had been decided they would not make any recommendations until the inspection team had completed its job and left Russia. "The CRC is going to prepare an ongoing document and they will have to get this final information to conclude it," said Niggli. "But it is not going to take them very long once we have told them the guys (inspection team) are finished and then we want the executive to have a little bit of time to consider it but I think one day difference is not a big deal. "All I can say now is that the mission is going in the right direction."

WADA will not get report until team out of Russia

WADA officials will discuss recommendations on the compliance of the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) on January 22, the World Anti-doping Agency announced Saturday.

"WADA ExCo (executive committee) to discuss Compliance Review Committee recommendation regarding RUSADA compliance status on 22 Jan via conference call," WADA tweeted.

"ExCo members requested that time to review appropriately the CRC recommendation (which will be provided to them at the latest on 17 Jan) and to consult with their stakeholders. WADA will publicly communicate the ExCo decision on 22 Jan following the conference call."

RUSADA was initially suspended by WADA in 2016 after an independent report by Professor Richard McLaren found that more than 1,000 athletes across more than 30 sports were aided by state‑sponsored doping.

WADA was strongly criticised over its decision to lift Russia's suspension in September before obtaining access to the anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

Moscow subsequently missed the December 31 deadline to give WADA full access to the lab data vital to implicate or clear athletes in doping cases.

A second team of WADA experts, however, arrived in Russia Wednesday to complete the promised extraction of data, including results of doping tests.

WADA officials will discuss recommendations on the compliance of the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) on January 22, the World Anti-doping Agency announced Saturday.

WADA officials will discuss recommendations on the compliance of the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) on January 22, the World Anti-doping Agency announced Saturday. "WADA ExCo (executive committee) to discuss Compliance Review Committee recommendation regarding RUSADA compliance status on 22 Jan via conference call," WADA tweeted. "ExCo members requested that time to review appropriately the CRC recommendation (which will be provided to them at the latest on 17 Jan) and to consult with their stakeholders. WADA will publicly communicate the ExCo decision on 22 Jan following the conference call." RUSADA was initially suspended by WADA in 2016 after an independent report by Professor Richard McLaren found that more than 1,000 athletes across more than 30 sports were aided by state‑sponsored doping. WADA was strongly criticised over its decision to lift Russia's suspension in September before obtaining access to the anti-doping laboratory in Moscow. Moscow subsequently missed the December 31 deadline to give WADA full access to the lab data vital to implicate or clear athletes in doping cases. A second team of WADA experts, however, arrived in Russia Wednesday to complete the promised extraction of data, including results of doping tests.

WADA to discuss Russia on January 22

The numerous critics attacking the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over Russia's failure to meet a deadline to hand over data from its drug-tainted Moscow laboratory are acting like a "lynch mob", said former president Dick Pound.

The 76-year-old Canadian lawyer -- who was WADA's inaugural president from 1999-2007 and sits on its Foundation Board -- wrote in his blog for influential sports politics website InsideTheGames that those demanding WADA be overhauled had their own personal agendas.

The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia.

However, when WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December they were unable to extract all of the promised data.

WADA said at the time its team could not complete its mission "due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team's equipment to be used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law".

WADA's leadership has been strongly criticised by the likes of Travis Tygart, head of USADA, and NADO (National Anti-Doping Agencies) over its decision to lift Russia's suspension before obtaining access to the information sought from its Moscow laboratory.

This information was expected to shed light on the extent of Russian cheating spanning several years and including multiple major championships

Pound, a former vice-president of the International Olympic Committee who ran unsuccessfully to replace Juan Antonio Samaranch as president in 2001, took aim at the critics with typical bluntness.

"Lynch mobs are just that -- unruly gangs having a single objective, murdering someone without any due process of justice," said Pound.

"Much of the response to Russia's failure to provide access to the former Moscow Laboratory data by the deadline (31 December 2018) imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Executive Committee in September 2018 has all the elements of a lynch mob.&nbsp;

"Many of those making up the mob know or should know that they are out of line.

"What is their real end-game?"

'Rule of law'

Pound, who is a long-standing friend to present under-fire WADA president Craig Reedie, said those demanding Russia be immediately declared non-compliant and the meeting of the WADA Compliance Review Committee (CRC)on January 14-15 be brought forward knew this was impossible.

"This process is well-known to the entire anti-doping community" said Pound.

"It is disturbing to see otherwise responsible and sophisticated organisations urge that the process be completely ignored and incite others to adopt a similar view.

"I come from a country -- Canada -- that has a strong tradition of respect for the rule of law. That tradition is the direct opposite of mob rule."

Pound, a former top-class swimmer who competed in the 1960 Olympics, questions the motives of those seeking to destabilise WADA and warns the previous state of "anarchy" which existed before its creation could return.

"Perhaps the real agenda is that those who would destroy WADA do not want a robust and independent agency leading this fight for sporting integrity, unless they can insert themselves into positions of power," said Pound.

"Think about it…"

The numerous critics attacking the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over Russia's failure to meet a deadline to hand over data from its drug-tainted Moscow laboratory are acting like a "lynch mob", said former president Dick Pound.

The numerous critics attacking the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over Russia's failure to meet a deadline to hand over data from its drug-tainted Moscow laboratory are acting like a "lynch mob", said former president Dick Pound. The 76-year-old Canadian lawyer -- who was WADA's inaugural president from 1999-2007 and sits on its Foundation Board -- wrote in his blog for influential sports politics website InsideTheGames that those demanding WADA be overhauled had their own personal agendas. The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia. However, when WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December they were unable to extract all of the promised data. WADA said at the time its team could not complete its mission "due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team's equipment to be used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law". WADA's leadership has been strongly criticised by the likes of Travis Tygart, head of USADA, and NADO (National Anti-Doping Agencies) over its decision to lift Russia's suspension before obtaining access to the information sought from its Moscow laboratory. This information was expected to shed light on the extent of Russian cheating spanning several years and including multiple major championships Pound, a former vice-president of the International Olympic Committee who ran unsuccessfully to replace Juan Antonio Samaranch as president in 2001, took aim at the critics with typical bluntness. "Lynch mobs are just that -- unruly gangs having a single objective, murdering someone without any due process of justice," said Pound. "Much of the response to Russia's failure to provide access to the former Moscow Laboratory data by the deadline (31 December 2018) imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Executive Committee in September 2018 has all the elements of a lynch mob. "Many of those making up the mob know or should know that they are out of line. "What is their real end-game?" 'Rule of law' Pound, who is a long-standing friend to present under-fire WADA president Craig Reedie, said those demanding Russia be immediately declared non-compliant and the meeting of the WADA Compliance Review Committee (CRC)on January 14-15 be brought forward knew this was impossible. "This process is well-known to the entire anti-doping community" said Pound. "It is disturbing to see otherwise responsible and sophisticated organisations urge that the process be completely ignored and incite others to adopt a similar view. "I come from a country -- Canada -- that has a strong tradition of respect for the rule of law. That tradition is the direct opposite of mob rule." Pound, a former top-class swimmer who competed in the 1960 Olympics, questions the motives of those seeking to destabilise WADA and warns the previous state of "anarchy" which existed before its creation could return. "Perhaps the real agenda is that those who would destroy WADA do not want a robust and independent agency leading this fight for sporting integrity, unless they can insert themselves into positions of power," said Pound. "Think about it…"

Dick Pound blasts WADA critics for acting like a lynch mob

The International Olympic Committee's athlete commission indicated on Friday it would support fresh sanctions on Russia by world anti-doping agency WADA after a missed doping data deadline.

A WADA Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will meet in Montreal on January 14-15 to hear from an inspection team whose five members were not allowed to retrieve data from a Moscow laboratory by a December 31 deadline.

The CRC will then submit a report to the WADA executive committee and could recommend that Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) once again be ruled non-compliant and face new sanctions.

The Athletes' Commission went out on a limb in supporting WADA's decision last September to conditionally reinstate RUSADA, which had been suspended since November 2015 over alleged state-backed doping.

Other athletes' groups and anti-doping organisations had spoken out strongly against RUSADA's reinstatement while the Russian athletics federation remains banned by the IAAF.

"As members of the IOC Athletes' Commission, we are extremely disappointed and concerned by the fact that RUSADA has missed the deadline," the Athletes' Commission said in a statement.

"We expect the CRC in its meeting...to make the appropriate recommendations to the WADA Executive Committee in the light of its decision of September 2018.

"These recommendations should lead to immediate measures and actions."

While not spelling out the 'appropriate recommendations', the statement noted that support for RUSADA's provisional reinstatement had been made on the understanding that a missed deadline would lead to "stronger and more effective sanctions".

A spokesman for the IOC President Thomas Bach told Reuters: "We have taken note of the statement of the IOC Athletes' Commission, which the IOC fully supports."

Athletes' Commission chair Kirsty Coventry, an Olympic swimming champion and now Zimbabwean Sports Minister, told Reuters in October that "if we don't get what we want then we must be strong in our reaction.

"If it is not done we will have to make some tough decisions," she added.

The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) challenged WADA on Thursday to make a quick ruling.

"Let's see if a decision on January 14 happens but let's not forget that's it's just a recommendation that has to go to the WADA executive committee," USADA chief Travis Tygart told Reuters.

"Are they going to call an emergency executive committee meeting on the 15th, which is what they should do? Being in limbo as a clean athlete is what is extremely frustrating about this process."

Tygart has called the situation 'a total joke', while Britain's anti-Doping Agency athlete commission and Drug Free Sport New Zealand are among groups to have urged WADA to find RUSADA non-compliant for missing the deadline.

CRC chairman Jonathan Taylor defended the decision to wait until mid-January, however.

"In cases of non-compliance, the special fast-track procedure also requires WADA to give the Russian authorities a fair opportunity to make a submission for the consideration of the CRC," the BBC quoted the British lawyer as saying.

"It might be said that there is nothing to be considered, the non-compliance is plain, the reasons are irrelevant, so following due process is futile and therefore unnecessary," he added.

"But the courts do not like such arguments, and therefore the risk of successful challenge would be significant, which I don't think anyone would want."

The International Olympic Committee's athlete commission indicated on Friday it would support fresh sanctions on Russia by world anti-doping agency WADA after a missed doping data deadline.

The International Olympic Committee's athlete commission indicated on Friday it would support fresh sanctions on Russia by world anti-doping agency WADA after a missed doping data deadline. A WADA Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will meet in Montreal on January 14-15 to hear from an inspection team whose five members were not allowed to retrieve data from a Moscow laboratory by a December 31 deadline. The CRC will then submit a report to the WADA executive committee and could recommend that Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) once again be ruled non-compliant and face new sanctions. The Athletes' Commission went out on a limb in supporting WADA's decision last September to conditionally reinstate RUSADA, which had been suspended since November 2015 over alleged state-backed doping. Other athletes' groups and anti-doping organisations had spoken out strongly against RUSADA's reinstatement while the Russian athletics federation remains banned by the IAAF. "As members of the IOC Athletes' Commission, we are extremely disappointed and concerned by the fact that RUSADA has missed the deadline," the Athletes' Commission said in a statement. "We expect the CRC in its meeting...to make the appropriate recommendations to the WADA Executive Committee in the light of its decision of September 2018. "These recommendations should lead to immediate measures and actions." While not spelling out the 'appropriate recommendations', the statement noted that support for RUSADA's provisional reinstatement had been made on the understanding that a missed deadline would lead to "stronger and more effective sanctions". A spokesman for the IOC President Thomas Bach told Reuters: "We have taken note of the statement of the IOC Athletes' Commission, which the IOC fully supports." Athletes' Commission chair Kirsty Coventry, an Olympic swimming champion and now Zimbabwean Sports Minister, told Reuters in October that "if we don't get what we want then we must be strong in our reaction. "If it is not done we will have to make some tough decisions," she added. The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) challenged WADA on Thursday to make a quick ruling. "Let's see if a decision on January 14 happens but let's not forget that's it's just a recommendation that has to go to the WADA executive committee," USADA chief Travis Tygart told Reuters. "Are they going to call an emergency executive committee meeting on the 15th, which is what they should do? Being in limbo as a clean athlete is what is extremely frustrating about this process." Tygart has called the situation 'a total joke', while Britain's anti-Doping Agency athlete commission and Drug Free Sport New Zealand are among groups to have urged WADA to find RUSADA non-compliant for missing the deadline. CRC chairman Jonathan Taylor defended the decision to wait until mid-January, however. "In cases of non-compliance, the special fast-track procedure also requires WADA to give the Russian authorities a fair opportunity to make a submission for the consideration of the CRC," the BBC quoted the British lawyer as saying. "It might be said that there is nothing to be considered, the non-compliance is plain, the reasons are irrelevant, so following due process is futile and therefore unnecessary," he added. "But the courts do not like such arguments, and therefore the risk of successful challenge would be significant, which I don't think anyone would want."

IOC Athletes' body indicates support for fresh action against Russia

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

"I am bitterly disappointed that data extraction from the former Moscow Laboratory has not been completed by the date agreed," said WADA president Craig Reedie.

WADA said the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will now consider the next step in the long-running saga at a January 14-15 meeting.

The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia.

WADA's confirmation of the missed deadline came as US Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart described Russia's return to the sports fold "a total joke and an embarrassment".

However, in his New Year message, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach insisted sporting superpower Russia had been sufficiently punished.

"With its suspension from the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Russian Olympic Committee has served its sanction," wrote Bach.

WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December but were unable to extract all of the promised data.

WADA said at the time its team could not complete its mission "due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team's equipment to be used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law".

With WADA waiting and the December 31 deadline looming, RUSADA chief Yury Ganus asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene to stave off another ban that put Russia "on the brink of the abyss".&nbsp;

However, the Kremlin said RUSADA's concerns about new sanctions were "without foundation."

'WADA being played by Russians'

Reedie added on Tuesday: "WADA has been working diligently with the Russian authorities to meet the deadline, which was clearly in the best interest of clean sport. The process agreed by WADA's ExCo in September will now be initiated."

That process will now see the independent Compliance Review Committee meet on January 14 and 15 to examine the developments before a recommendation is made to WADA.

That could lead to RUSADA again being declared non-compliant.

Tygart said Russia missing the deadline should come as no surprise.

"In September, WADA secretly moved the goal posts and reinstated Russia against the wishes of athletes, governments and the public," Tygart said. "In doing this WADA guaranteed Russia would turn over the evidence of its state-supported doping scheme by today.

"No one is surprised this deadline was ignored and it's time for WADA to stop being played by the Russians and immediately declare them non-compliant for failing yet again to meet the deadline."

Last month, the governing body of world athletics (IAAF) said they were maintaining Russia's ban from track and field over the state-backed doping controversy.

Russia's athletics team was barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics and also missed the IAAF World Championships in London a year later.

A number of Russian athletes, however, have been granted permission by the IAAF to compete as neutrals after meeting the exceptional eligibility criteria, essentially demonstrating that they have come through transparent anti-doping testing.

The IOC lifted its ban on Russia at the end of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Later Tuesday, the athletes commission of the UK Anti-Doping Agency called for Russia to be declared non-compliant.

"The Russian state need to prove unequivocally that they have learned from the biggest doping scandal under WADA's watch," said a statement.

"And that they will be committed to a drug-free, transparent regime across international sport.

"Otherwise WADA..must now declare RUSADA non-compliant."

&nbsp;

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow. "I am bitterly disappointed that data extraction from the former Moscow Laboratory has not been completed by the date agreed," said WADA president Craig Reedie. WADA said the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will now consider the next step in the long-running saga at a January 14-15 meeting. The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia. WADA's confirmation of the missed deadline came as US Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart described Russia's return to the sports fold "a total joke and an embarrassment". However, in his New Year message, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach insisted sporting superpower Russia had been sufficiently punished. "With its suspension from the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Russian Olympic Committee has served its sanction," wrote Bach. WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December but were unable to extract all of the promised data. WADA said at the time its team could not complete its mission "due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team's equipment to be used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law". With WADA waiting and the December 31 deadline looming, RUSADA chief Yury Ganus asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene to stave off another ban that put Russia "on the brink of the abyss". However, the Kremlin said RUSADA's concerns about new sanctions were "without foundation." 'WADA being played by Russians' Reedie added on Tuesday: "WADA has been working diligently with the Russian authorities to meet the deadline, which was clearly in the best interest of clean sport. The process agreed by WADA's ExCo in September will now be initiated." That process will now see the independent Compliance Review Committee meet on January 14 and 15 to examine the developments before a recommendation is made to WADA. That could lead to RUSADA again being declared non-compliant. Tygart said Russia missing the deadline should come as no surprise. "In September, WADA secretly moved the goal posts and reinstated Russia against the wishes of athletes, governments and the public," Tygart said. "In doing this WADA guaranteed Russia would turn over the evidence of its state-supported doping scheme by today. "No one is surprised this deadline was ignored and it's time for WADA to stop being played by the Russians and immediately declare them non-compliant for failing yet again to meet the deadline." Last month, the governing body of world athletics (IAAF) said they were maintaining Russia's ban from track and field over the state-backed doping controversy. Russia's athletics team was barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics and also missed the IAAF World Championships in London a year later. A number of Russian athletes, however, have been granted permission by the IAAF to compete as neutrals after meeting the exceptional eligibility criteria, essentially demonstrating that they have come through transparent anti-doping testing. The IOC lifted its ban on Russia at the end of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Later Tuesday, the athletes commission of the UK Anti-Doping Agency called for Russia to be declared non-compliant. "The Russian state need to prove unequivocally that they have learned from the biggest doping scandal under WADA's watch," said a statement. "And that they will be committed to a drug-free, transparent regime across international sport. "Otherwise WADA..must now declare RUSADA non-compliant."

New sanctions loom as WADA confirms Russia misses doping deadline

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">Trump seeks to end </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796"> shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress</a>

President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-sanctions-loom-as-wada-confirm-russia-misses-doping-deadline-187798">New sanctions loom as WADA confirm Russia misses doping deadline</a>

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803">TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803">grand</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803"> opposition alliance</a>

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/words-of-outgoing-prime-minister-will-have-no-effect-aap-on-pm-modi-interview-187800">Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview</a>

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-raul-castro-urges-cubans-to-prepare-for-worst-with-us-187806">Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-raul-castro-urges-cubans-to-prepare-for-worst-with-us-187806">US</a>

Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

 
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Trump seeks to end government shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week. New sanctions loom as WADA confirm Russia misses doping deadline Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow. TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of grand opposition alliance The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed. Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with US Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is again on the verge of suspension after a World Anti-Doping Agency inspection team visiting a Moscow laboratory was denied access to raw data to complete its full reinstatement, WADA said on Friday (December 21).

The five-member WADA team had spent a week in Russia but left the Moscow lab and returned home frustrated and without having retrieved any of the data in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) it had been promised access to.

Russian authorities maintained that the inspection team's equipment to be used for the data extraction had not been certified under Russian law.

Access to the lab and data was a condition of WADA's September decision to reinstate RUSADA.

The inspection team will now prepare a formal report which will be sent to the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC). The CRC will meet on Jan 14-15 when RUSADA's code compliance status will again be considered.

The CRC's recommendation will then be considered by the WADA executive committee.

WADA had set a December 31 deadline for RUSADA to meet the condition or once again be found non-compliant and face even tougher sanctions laid out in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.

RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics, allegations Moscow has denied.

Russian authorities downplayed the latest crisis with Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov describing the problems in a TASS report as "technical issues".

Kolobkov added: "The experts are satisfied with the visit," and said there were plans for a follow-up visit to the lab.

WADA told Reuters there were no more visits planned but that the team of experts would remain on standby ready to proceed with full data extraction should the matter be resolved.

The good faith displayed in conditionally reinstating RUSADA on the guarantee it would meet all requirements appears to have blown up in WADA's face. WADA came under scathing criticism from athlete and global anti-doping groups when it approved RUSADA's reinstatement in September.

"Let's hope WADA doesn't get played again and immediately declares them non-compliant," United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) CEO Travis Tygart told Reuters after learning of WADA's unsuccessful trip.

If RUSADA is found to be non-compliant Russian athletes could again be on the outside looking in with another Olympics approaching in Tokyo in 2020.

The opening up of the Moscow lab was supposed to be the end of the long-running doping scandal that began in 2015 and rocked the sporting world, preventing Russian athletes from competing in two Olympics and world championships.

Russia was banned from this year's Pyeongchang Winter Games but some athletes were allowed to compete as an 'Olympic Athlete of Russia', as long as they satisfied strict conditions that showed they had a doping-free background.

A limited number of Russian athletes competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro under their own flag but only after they met strict criteria, including a clean doping past and sufficient testing at international events.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has, however, yet to reinstate the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF).

The IAAF this month voted to continue its doping-related ban of RusAF, which has been in place since 2015, until there is full access to the doping data stored in Moscow and financial compensation for investigation and legal costs.

Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is again on the verge of suspension after a World Anti-Doping Agency inspection team visiting a Moscow laboratory was denied access to raw data to complete its full reinstatement, WADA said on Friday (December 21).

Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is again on the verge of suspension after a World Anti-Doping Agency inspection team visiting a Moscow laboratory was denied access to raw data to complete its full reinstatement, WADA said on Friday (December 21). The five-member WADA team had spent a week in Russia but left the Moscow lab and returned home frustrated and without having retrieved any of the data in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) it had been promised access to. Russian authorities maintained that the inspection team's equipment to be used for the data extraction had not been certified under Russian law. Access to the lab and data was a condition of WADA's September decision to reinstate RUSADA. The inspection team will now prepare a formal report which will be sent to the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC). The CRC will meet on Jan 14-15 when RUSADA's code compliance status will again be considered. The CRC's recommendation will then be considered by the WADA executive committee. WADA had set a December 31 deadline for RUSADA to meet the condition or once again be found non-compliant and face even tougher sanctions laid out in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories. RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics, allegations Moscow has denied. Russian authorities downplayed the latest crisis with Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov describing the problems in a TASS report as "technical issues". Kolobkov added: "The experts are satisfied with the visit," and said there were plans for a follow-up visit to the lab. WADA told Reuters there were no more visits planned but that the team of experts would remain on standby ready to proceed with full data extraction should the matter be resolved. The good faith displayed in conditionally reinstating RUSADA on the guarantee it would meet all requirements appears to have blown up in WADA's face. WADA came under scathing criticism from athlete and global anti-doping groups when it approved RUSADA's reinstatement in September. "Let's hope WADA doesn't get played again and immediately declares them non-compliant," United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) CEO Travis Tygart told Reuters after learning of WADA's unsuccessful trip. If RUSADA is found to be non-compliant Russian athletes could again be on the outside looking in with another Olympics approaching in Tokyo in 2020. The opening up of the Moscow lab was supposed to be the end of the long-running doping scandal that began in 2015 and rocked the sporting world, preventing Russian athletes from competing in two Olympics and world championships. Russia was banned from this year's Pyeongchang Winter Games but some athletes were allowed to compete as an 'Olympic Athlete of Russia', as long as they satisfied strict conditions that showed they had a doping-free background. A limited number of Russian athletes competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro under their own flag but only after they met strict criteria, including a clean doping past and sufficient testing at international events. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has, however, yet to reinstate the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF). The IAAF this month voted to continue its doping-related ban of RusAF, which has been in place since 2015, until there is full access to the doping data stored in Moscow and financial compensation for investigation and legal costs.

Russia's Anti-Doping Agency again on verge of suspension after WADA team denied access to lab data

World Anti-Doping Agency president Craig Reedie has described as "deeply offensive" an accusation that the agency put money over clean sport following its decision to lift a ban on Russia's anti-doping agency.

The decision was taken last week at a meeting of WADA's executive committee in Victoria, the capital of the Indian Ocean island of Seychelles.

The agency suspended RUSADA in November 2015 after declaring it non-compliant following revelations of a vast state-backed scheme to avoid drug testers.

The softening of WADA's stance triggered outrage from athletes and national anti-doping agencies around the world. They accused WADA of succumbing to pressure from the International Olympic Committee.

Former WADA director general David Howman strongly criticised Reedie.

"So WADA has gone from being an organisation that cared about clean athletes to one that cares about international federations that have not been able to stage events in Russia,&nbsp;it's money over principle," he said.

But in an open letter, Reedie, who said Russian doping had "poisoned sport", defended WADA's move.

"Emotions are running understandably high," he said. "With Russian relations returning to Cold War levels of frostiness, there has been much recent public criticism of WADA for permitting and even enabling rehabilitation."

"In particular, the accusation that WADA -- and me personally -- have pandered to the interests of money over clean sport are totally untrue, and deeply offensive. The author of those remarks, as a former director general of WADA, should know better."

Reedie's letter states that 29 of the 31 criteria of the "compliance roadmap" had been achieved.

"Only the acknowledgement of wrongdoing and access to the Moscow laboratory remained... on 13 September, a response finally arrived," said Reedie.

"It offered both an acknowledgement of wrongdoing and established a tight timeframe for access. The independent experts felt this sufficed. They proposed reinstatement, pending a critical deadline of 31 December for the access we require."

"But the deadline, and a further decision that failure to deliver would inevitably result in renewed non-compliance, places WADA in a much stronger position than at any time in the past four years, especially since newer and stronger sanctions would apply," he added.

World Anti-Doping Agency president Craig Reedie has described as "deeply offensive" an accusation that the agency put money over clean sport following its decision to lift a ban on Russia's anti-doping agency.

World Anti-Doping Agency president Craig Reedie has described as "deeply offensive" an accusation that the agency put money over clean sport following its decision to lift a ban on Russia's anti-doping agency. The decision was taken last week at a meeting of WADA's executive committee in Victoria, the capital of the Indian Ocean island of Seychelles. The agency suspended RUSADA in November 2015 after declaring it non-compliant following revelations of a vast state-backed scheme to avoid drug testers. The softening of WADA's stance triggered outrage from athletes and national anti-doping agencies around the world. They accused WADA of succumbing to pressure from the International Olympic Committee. Former WADA director general David Howman strongly criticised Reedie. "So WADA has gone from being an organisation that cared about clean athletes to one that cares about international federations that have not been able to stage events in Russia, it's money over principle," he said. But in an open letter, Reedie, who said Russian doping had "poisoned sport", defended WADA's move. "Emotions are running understandably high," he said. "With Russian relations returning to Cold War levels of frostiness, there has been much recent public criticism of WADA for permitting and even enabling rehabilitation." "In particular, the accusation that WADA -- and me personally -- have pandered to the interests of money over clean sport are totally untrue, and deeply offensive. The author of those remarks, as a former director general of WADA, should know better." Reedie's letter states that 29 of the 31 criteria of the "compliance roadmap" had been achieved. "Only the acknowledgement of wrongdoing and access to the Moscow laboratory remained... on 13 September, a response finally arrived," said Reedie. "It offered both an acknowledgement of wrongdoing and established a tight timeframe for access. The independent experts felt this sufficed. They proposed reinstatement, pending a critical deadline of 31 December for the access we require." "But the deadline, and a further decision that failure to deliver would inevitably result in renewed non-compliance, places WADA in a much stronger position than at any time in the past four years, especially since newer and stronger sanctions would apply," he added.

WADA chief hits back at criticism over Russia doping decision

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