(ATR) The saga of the Russian doping scandal moves to Colorado Springs. That's where the World Anti-Doping foundation board meets to consider sanctions against theRussian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
WADA is acting after the release last week of an independent commission report that cast shadows over the integrity of anti-doping efforts in Russia.
WADA senior communications manager Ben Nichols tells Around the RingsRUSADA's compliance will be one of three major topics at the board meeting, along with the WADA independent commission report and the IOC independent testing proposal.
The IC report delivered four key recommendations to the WADA Executive and Foundation Boards, three of which have already been carried out by the governing bodies. Determining whether RUSADA falls in line with the WADA code is the last of the key recommendations given by the IC.
WADA immediately suspended the Moscow Laboratory alleged to have aided in the cover-up of positive doping tests, specifically those of track and field athletes.
Athletes were said to have been pressured to dope by "unscrupulous athlete support personnel in Russia", with the report citing a "level of state influence in its findings". However, the report noted "Russia and athletics were not alone in their involvement with orchestrated doping in sport".
The Moscow Laboratory director, Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, resigned soon after WADA recommended that he be permanently removed from his position.
WADA president Craig Reedie said it is essential to act "quickly and firmly" regarding the recommendations in the report.
"These are all necessary and powerful actions that will effect positive change for clean sport," said Reedie.
The Foundation Board will discuss other recommendations given by the IC report, such as strengthening the whistleblower process and providing more funds to its internal investigations unit.
The final theme of the meeting is a proposal that WADA take over full responsibility for doping tests, eliminating IFs, national federations and NOCs from the equation.
Reedie says all of the actions it is taking are focused on "protecting the clean athlete", although doing so will require more funding.
"The IC, WADA and its stakeholders [are] united in the belief that the Agency is up to the challenge but requires greater resources," said Reedie.
Written by KevinNutley
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