A functioning anti-doping system is the basis for being able to participate in international championships, with the Olympics in Paris next year being the highlight.
The international anti-doping body Wada has had its Russian counterpart Rusada suspended since 2020 because there are too many deficiencies to gain authorization.
In September 2022, half a year after the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Wada condemned the Russian anti-doping system after an inspection.
“Effect of new sanctions limited”
Last month, Wada announced further tightening of its stance against Rusada. However, the impact of new sanctions is likely to be limited as many have already been imposed by world sports bodies due to Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special military operation”.
Now Russia responds by taking the case to Cas.
“Today, Wada received a formal notification from Rusada that they dispute Wada’s allegation of non-compliance, the proposed consequences and the conditions of reinstatement,” Montreal-based Wada wrote in a statement.
Decided by court in Lausanne
Because of this, Wada will now send the case to the Cas court in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IOC also has its headquarters in the city.
The IOC is open to allowing Russian participants to compete as neutrals in individual events at the Paris Olympics next year. The Paralympics have already given the green light. Then the active must be able to show that they have participated in an approved anti-doping testing program for at least six months.