Montreal, Nov 27, 2015: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce that it had a constructive meeting yesterday with the Russian Ministry of Sport in Frankfurt, Germany — the first such meeting to be held since the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was declared non-compliant at WADA’s Foundation Board meeting on 18 November.
WADA confirms that a delegation, headed by Director General, David Howman, met with a Russian delegation, headed by Russia’s Minister of Sport, Vitaly Mutko.
“WADA is pleased with the assurances provided by Minister Mutko to address the issues raised in WADA’s Independent Commission Report,” said David Howman. “There is, however, still much work to be done by RUSADA,” Howman continued.
“WADA is very committed to working with all parties concerning RUSADA’s path forward.” “It is imperative that Russia’s anti-doping program be overhauled in order to protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide and to re-establish public confidence in Russian athletics.”
The purpose of the meeting was first and foremost to map out the necessary testing programs required to ensure that Russian athletes would be subject to a robust anti-doping program during RUSADA’s period of non-compliance.
During the meeting, Minister Mutko committed fully to the process and the changes required of RUSADA if they are to achieve compliance status.
Formal steps will now be pursued with RUSADA, who are a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code.
On 9 November, WADA’s Independent Commission issued their Report. The Report highlighted deficiencies and concerns with Russia’s anti-doping program relating to athletics. —- WADA
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