Russians condemn Olympics ban as IOC welcomes IAAF decision

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released a statement in support of the IAAF’s decision to uphold its ban on Russian athletes and will discuss the next appropriate steps at a summit on Tuesday.

In the statement released on Saturday, it said: “The IOC has taken note of the decision of the IAAF Council and of the report and recommendations of the IAAF Taskforce.”

The IOC Executive Board, in a telephone conference today, emphasized that it fully respects the IAAF position. The eligibility of athletes in any international competition including the Olympic Games is a matter for the respective International Federation.

The IOC will initiate further far-reaching measures in order to ensure a level playing field for all the athletes taking part in the Olympic Games Rio 2016.

The upcoming Olympic Summit on Tuesday will address the situation of the countries in which the National Anti-Doping Organisation has been declared non-compliant by WADA for reasons of the non-efficient functioning of the national anti-doping system.

Statement by the IOC Executive Board https://t.co/vN0l4cY4YM #IAAF #Rio2016 Olympics

— IOC MEDIA (iocmedia) June 18, 2016

Meanwhile, Russians have criticised the ban on their Olympic team over the doping scandal describing it as unfair.

Russia was suspended from track and field by the IAAF in November after an independent report from WADA revealed widespread state-sponsored doping.

“It’s wrong when athletes use doping and banned substances and they probably think that everyone everywhere takes it here. That’s why they made this decision. We do not understand them and it’s a pity that it happened, especially as some of our famous athletes just returned to sports and wanted to compete in the Olympics,” Moscow resident, Alim said.

“I take it negatively. I wouldn’t want these tough measures being taken against our athletes because they are preparing, they are working hard and I think they didn’t deserve such tough measures,” another resident, Oleg added.

“I view this decision as a violation of Russia’s rights and a violation of our interests in sports. I completely disagree with it. I will probably be crying all night,” said another, Inna.

IAAF president refuted suggestions that the decision to keep the suspension of the Russian athletics federation was politically motivated.