Russia Suspended from Athletics amid Doping Scandal

The Council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has provisionally suspended the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) as an IAAF Member for its alleged involvement in widespread doping.

The decision was taken at the 201st IAAF Council Meeting which was held by teleconference and chaired from London by IAAF President Sebastian Coe on November 13.

Russia has been also suspended from international competition, including the Olympic Games.

The IAAF took action after the publication of an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report that alleged “state-sponsored doping”.

Its council members voted 22-1 in favor of Russia being banned.

“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” said IAAF president Sebastian Coe.

Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the suspension was “temporary” and the “problem is solvable”.

A total of 24 Members of Council took part in the meeting: 22 voted in favor of the sanction against ARAF, who have been officially informed of the Council’s decision, 1 voted against. The Council Member from Russia was not eligible to participate in the vote.