October 14, (THEWILL) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is preparing to refer Russia’s doping case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), after the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) contested the new sanctions imposed last month.
The sanctions, resulting from the state-sponsored doping programme, had required Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag at recent Olympics. These expired last December after CAS halved the ban to two years. However, RUSADA remained noncompliant with anti-doping rules, prompting WADA in September to propose new measures following an audit.
The proposed sanctions include banning Russia’s flag and anthem at major competitions like the Olympics and preventing Russia from hosting events. While not yet in force, RUSADA has disputed the sanctions within the 21-day window, meaning WADA must now involve CAS.
Practically, the impact may be limited currently since most organisations have already banned Russian flags over the Ukraine invasion. Still, WADA insists RUSADA cannot be reinstated until fully compliant.
Alongside Russia, North Korea and Gabon’s anti-doping bodies are also deemed noncompliant, as is the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation. RUSADA will remain barred until all conditions are satisfied.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
