Ban on Russia lifted by Wada

The Russian government applauded the decision to lift Rusada’s three- year suspension, saying it was the result of “enormous work” by Russian authorities to improve their procedures. However, Linda Helleland, vice- president of Wada, said the decision to

Victoria ( Seychelles), Sept. 21: The World Anti- Doping Agency lifted a ban on Russia’s anti- doping agency, paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition but also sparking claims of “treachery” and “dark shadows” cast over the fight against drugs in sport.

“Today, the great majority of Wada’s Executive Committee decided to reinstate Rusada as compliant with the World AntiDoping Code subject to strict conditions,” World Anti- Doping Agency president Craig Reedie said on Thursday.

Reedie said the decision “provides a clear timeline by which Wada must be given access to the former Moscow laboratory data and samples.”

He said if the commitment was not met, Wada would reinstate the ban on the Russian anti- doping agency.

The Russian government applauded the decision to lift Rusada’s three- year suspension, saying it was the result of “enormous work” by Russian authorities to improve their procedures.

“We welcome WADA’s decision,” Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying.

“Russia confirms its adherence to the principles of clean sports competition,” she said. However, condemnation of the decision was swift and brutal.

Linda Helleland, vicepresident of Wada, said the decision to lift the ban “casts a dark shadow over the credibility of the antidoping movement”.

“I am disappointed on behalf of clean athletes and everyone who believes in clean sport,” wrote Helleland, who was one of only two Wada Executive Committee members to vote against.

“Today we made the wrong decision in protecting the integrity of sport,” she added. — AFP