(ATR)David Howman, director general of the World Anti-Doping Agency, says there is "much work to be done if RUSADA is to become compliant again."
In a statement released on Wednesday, Howman weighed in on the lengthy road ahead for the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
"It is essential that a quality testing program is in place for Russian athletes throughout RUSADA's period of non-compliance," Howman said. "Clean athletes of the world, and indeed the public at-large, expect no less.
"By appointing independent international experts, WADA will be able to monitor the situation and determine when requirements will have been met that will protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide; and, help re-establish public confidence in the Russian anti-doping program."
Last November, the WADA Foundation Board declared RUSADA non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code. The All-Russia Athletics Federation is also tasked with showing compliance with all WADA programs to pave the way for its track and field athletes to compete at Rio 2016.
As part of the effort to initiate permanent change, the International Association of Athletics Federations is requiring that ARAF "clean house," severing ties with any staff, officers or directors implicated in the past doping practices.
It is feasible that ARAF leaders could enact these changes in the months remaining until this summer's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
However, any Russian track and field athlete wishing to compete at the Games after reinstatement must submit to extensive doping tests.These athletes will be subject to three drug tests without notice in the six months leading up to any competition of their choice. Endurance athletes are subject to at least three Athlete Biological Passport tests.
Until RUSADA is declared code-compliant by WADA, the samples will be collected by international doping control officers and sent to WADA-accredited labs outside of Russia.
UK Anti-Doping andWADA leaders met with RUSADA and the Russian Ministry of Sport this week in Moscow.
WADA appointed two international experts who will oversee RUSADA's code-compliance operations.World Anti-Doping leaders also plan to elect an independent international expert to join the newly-formed RUSADA Board.
Written byNicole Bennett
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