Russian president Vladimir Putin: ‘Olympics on brink of split over doping accusations’
Russian president Vladimir Putin has claimed that the Olympics could be on the “brink of a split” after the nation was accused of a ‘state-sponsored doping programme’.
A report – commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency – released by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren accused the Russian Sports Ministry of being involved in widespread doping during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
In response, Putin described the allegations as a “dangerous relapse of politics’ interference into sports” and has claimed that the officials named directly in the report will be temporarily suspended.
“Now, the so-called doping scandals have come into play, attempts are being made to extend the sanctions for the exposed doping abuse cases to all, including ‘clean’ athletes under the pretext of alleged protecting their interests.
Meanwhile, WADA has called for all Russian athletes to be banned from this summer’s Rio Olympics.
