Russian Bobsleigh Federation Arranges Elections

(ATR) The Russian Bobsleigh Federation will hold elections in March to elect a new president, to comply with legal standards in Russia.

Interim President Elena Anikina confirmed to Around the Rings that elections on March 20 would be for a new four year term. She said the reason for new elections is to bring all accreditations and registrations for the federation into compliance with the Russian legal system.

"I hope that the decision to hold extraordinary conference and to arrange new elections in RBF is... a smart one," Anikina said to ATR. "It will demonstrate to all that we keep to all rules - both Russian and international - and all steps we are making are in the interests of sport and athletes."

Candidates will have until 20 days before the election to declare interest.

Anikina assumed the role of interim president on Jan. 22 after RBF President Alexander Zubkov stepped down to serve a doping ban until December 18, 2020. In the run up to the elections Anikina will remain in her post and manage the day-to-day operations of the federation.

The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) banned Zubkov earlier this month for being part of the Russian scheme in Sochi that swapped steroid-tainted urine samples with clean ones. The sanction prevents Zubkov from taking part in the sport during that time, forcing him to give up his post as head of the RBF. He was re-elected to a four-year term in 2018.

Should Zubkov decide to return to his position as RBF President following the completion of his ban, the RBF would have to decide to call new elections.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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