(Reuters) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced on Friday that the Russian anti-doping agency, RUSADA, is being disputed by WADA over its non-compliance with the world anti-doping code. WADA stated that it will present the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Last month, WADA declared that Russia would face additional penalties for failing to address its non-compliance issues.
RUSADA was labeled as non-compliant due to non-conformities related to national legislation, which were discovered during a virtual audit held in September 2022.
WADA confirmed that it would refer the matter to CAS, stating that it has received formal notification from RUSADA, in which it disputes WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, as well as the proposed consequences and reinstatement conditions. WADA also mentioned that the consequences will not be implemented until CAS makes its ruling.
The potential impact of the new sanctions on RUSADA is expected to be limited as numerous sanctions are already in place by international sporting bodies due to Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, referred to by Moscow as a “special military operation”.
One of the recommended punishments by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee (CRC) involves the prohibition of displaying Russia’s flag at the Olympic Games, world championships, continental, and regional competitions until the reinstatement conditions are fulfilled.
WADA stated that it has been continuously evaluating and monitoring RUSADA’s compliance with the reinstatement conditions, which stem from a 2020 CAS decision that initially found RUSADA non-compliant with the world anti-doping code. WADA emphasized that until all the reinstatement conditions are met, RUSADA cannot be considered for reinstatement.
Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Ronald Popeski; Editing by Ken Ferris
