International Association of Athletics Federations Suspends Russia

Russia's has been provisionally suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for its alleged involvement in widespread doping, meaning it could miss next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The ruling IAAF Council voted 22-1 to ban the All-Russia Athletics Federation (ARAF) following allegations in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Independent Commission that Russia was guilty of "state-supported" doping.

"The message could not be stronger," said Sebastian Coe, President of the IAAF, as he left his offices in London where he had overseen a teleconference.
"This is a wake-up call.

"It is entirely up to Russia to make changes."

The provisional suspension, under IAAF Constitution Article 6.11(b) and Article 14.7, means that Russian athletes may not compete in international competitions, including World Athletic Series competitions and the Olympic Games.

It also means will not Russia will not be entitled to host the 2016 World Race Walking Cup in Cheboksary and 2016 World Junior Championships in Kazan.

The IAAF will announce later whether to cancel the two Championships or re-allocate them.

Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko revealed he is hopeful that the country can return to competition in time for Rio 2016.

“The suspension is temporary," said Mutko.
"A special inspection team will look into the matter.
"I still believe we’ll manage to fix everything,"

An inspection team led by Rune Andersen, an Norwegian independent international anti-doping expert, and three members of the IAAF Council who will be appointed in the next few days, will oversee things in Russia and try to establish a map for the return of Russia.

They clearly how much work to do, though, before they are welcomed back.

"We are angry at the damage being caused to the reputation and credibility of athletics and are united alongside our President to not shy away from the major challenges that face our sport," said Frankie Fredericks, head of the IAAF's Athletes' Commission and a member of the Council.

"The athletes will work together to continue the process of cleaning up athletics to ensure those athletes training and competing cleanly are not tainted by the minority.

"We send a clear message to clean athletes in a dirty system to report any doping or cheating that they see or hear about.
"We are 100 per cent in support of President Coe and believe that he is the leader that our sport needs to instigate the necessary actions swiftly and strongly."