IOC extends doping-related sanctions against Russia

TIL Desk Sports/ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to extend for an indefinite period the provisional measures against Russia over the recent doping scandals. After a conference call by its board on July 24, the IOC urged international federations for winter sports events to suspend preparations for major competitions in Russia.

The motion was initially in effect until December 31, 2016, but following Wednesday’s meeting of the board here, it was extended for an indefinite period. “The IOC Executive Board has further decided to extend the provisional measures taken on 19 July 2016 against Russia until further notice,” the declaration said.

The statement from the IOC Executive Board reiterated that two commissions were established on July 19 to investigate doping allegations against Russia. “An Inquiry Commission, under the chairmanship of Samuel Schmid, is addressing the alleged government-sponsored system of doping, in particular with regard to the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014.”

“A Disciplinary Commission, under the chairmanship of Denis Oswald, is addressing the question of doping and manipulation of samples concerning the Russian athletes participating in the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. In the context of this Disciplinary Commission, all the samples of all Russian athletes participating in Sochi will be re-analysed,” according to the statement.