Kremlin Responds to "Groundless" Charges Against Russian Athletics

(ATR)Vladimir Putin's spokesperson says the allegations of widespread state-sponsored doping fraud in Russian athletics are unfounded.

"Whenever any charges are made, there must be some evidence they rely on," Peskov said in a statement to ITAR-TASS, responding to Monday's report from the WADA Independent Commission.

"As long as there has been no proof, it is hard to react to any accusations, which look rather groundless."

Peskov also said the Kremlin would pass on investigating the allegations, saying,"it's none of our business."

On Monday, an independent commission formed by the World Anti Doping Agency delivered its explosive report that detailed systemic doping cover-ups in Russian athletics.

WADA acted swiftly in its response and suspended the accreditation of the Moscow Antidoping Center.

In a statement released on Tuesday, WADA said that the suspension "is required in order to protect the interest of the Anti-Doping Community."

The WADA Executive Committee will now form a disciplinary committee to review the case, which will issue a recommendation with respect to the lab's accreditation status.

Pending the disciplinary committee's recommendation, all samples for the Moscow Antidoping Center will be transported to an alternative WADA-accredited lab.

RUSADA chief dismisses doping charges as "nonsense"

Nikita Kamaev, head of Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA,says he is being likened to a James Bond villain.

"I reckon some must be thinking I hang around with a handgun in the holster and visit the 'Lubyanka dungeons' in the evenings," Kamaev said to ITAR-TASS.

"That's nonsense. The one who believes this is hopelessly bogged down in the early days of the James Bond saga."

Kamaev also said that the existence of a second anti-doping lab in Russia, as stated in the WADA Independent Commission's report, is "impossible."

He added, "It is strange to hear from a former WADA president that there is a second laboratory.

"Technologically, the laboratory has no world analogues. It is impossible. It is a rare and very special type of activity."

The RUSADA chief also upheld his organization's and Russia's stance on doping. "There are problems with doping, but Russia is on the way to getting rid of it.

"I don't like to praise myself, but RUSADA, based on a number of WADA criteria, complies with its rules and works effectively. RUSADA has more than anyone in the world used sanctions against the violators"

Kamaev added, "The independent commission is working with us. We should answer its questions, but feel no pressure from WADA."

Written byNicole Bennett

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