WADA Reiterates its Support for IAAF's Decision to Maintain Russian Athletics Federation Suspension

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) fully reiterates its support for the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Council decision taken on 17 June to maintain the suspension of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF).

"Further to yesterday’s Olympic Summit and the Declaration that resulted, WADA strongly believes that the IAAF decision must be upheld as it was articulated on 17 June by the IAAF Task Force," said Craig Reedie, WADA President. "The IAAF Task Force report was clear -- a significant culture change is required among Russian athletes, athlete support personnel, government and sport leaders," Reedie continued. "It is essential that tough measures be enforced to ensure that those involved understand the gravity of not embracing clean sport," said Reedie. "Until the required cultural changes in Russia is well advanced through strong education and prevention programs; supported by independent doping control and robust compliance programs; WADA cannot assure clean athletes of the world that it is reforming."

"WADA also reiterates its support for the IAAF’s proposed rule amendment enabling Russian athletes to apply for eligibility, on an exceptional basis and subject to meeting strict criteria -- in particular having been subjected to credible doping programs outside Russia -- to compete in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, in an individual capacity as neutral athletes," Reedie continued. "WADA also restates its support for the IAAF Task Force’s recommendation to favourably consider the request of whistleblower, Yulia Stepanova, to compete as an independent athlete."

"WADA awaits the results of its independent McLaren Investigation, which was formed on 18 May and is examining further allegations of doping in Russia," said Reedie. "As captured within the IAAF Task Force report, Professor McLaren advised the Task Force of his ‘preliminary findings that there is sufficient corroborated evidence to confirm…a mandatory state-directed manipulation of laboratory analytical results operating within the Moscow-accredited laboratory from at least 2011 forward including the period of the IAAF World Championships in 2013’", Reedie continued. "We will see what evidence is exposed via the Investigation in terms of the scale of a state-directed doping program and the sports involved. If involvement of the state is clearly established, then sports authorities must collectively respond, in an uncompromised fashion; and, ensure that the necessary consequences are put in place to protect clean sport."

The full McLaren Investigation Report is to be delivered to the WADA President by 15 July and published in full within five days of receipt. The President can extend the mandate if he deems it necessary or appropriate.

The ARAF suspension was first imposed by the IAAF on 13 November 2015 further to the findings of WADA’s Independent Commission into widespread doping in Russian Athletics.

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