The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have come down hard on Russia following a doping scandal in which the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was accused of tampering with a testing database back in December of 2018, during which time, there was evidence that doping tests and emails appeared to have been changed and even deleted entirely. Apparently, the suspected doping violations dated back multiple years.
The WADA announced on Thursday that Russia will be unable to use its name, flag and anthem for the next two Olympic games, as well as any world championships for the next two years, leaving many guessing as to what that means for Russian athletes. In addition, Russia has had its eligibility to bid to host any major sporting event revoked for the same duration.
The outcome is not as bad as it could have been for Russia, as a four-year ban had also been discussed as an option as discipline for the act.
The good news is that Russian teams and individual sport athletes will still be able to participate in these events, using a variation of "Russia" in their country that they represent so long as they adhere to the orders of the court that if the name Russia appears on uniforms, it must be accompanied by the words "Neutral Athlete" or "Neutral Team" in equal prominence.
In addition, Russian government officials, including President Vladimir Putin, will be allowed to attend major sporting events, per the ruling, but only if invited by the head of state of whichever nation is playing host.
This stiff punishment came down following a four-day hearing last month where Russian athletes, along with their legal council, attempted to lobby for sympathy on the grounds that they should not be punished for the shortcomings of state officials who were not involved in sports, placing the blame solely on RUSADA.
In an official statement from the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF), the organization has confirmed that the ruling will have no impact on the Russian team at the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship, nor the U18 squad.
"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) has studied the decision made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning the activities of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
In accordance with the decision, Russia can host the 2023 IIHF World Championship in Saint Petersburg without any restrictions.
The male and female Russian national teams will compete at the two upcoming World Championships (2021 and 2022) and at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The players' jerseys can be designed in the colours of the flag and the word "Russia" can be on the jerseys. At the same time, the players will compete in a neutral status (without the national flag and the national anthem). The decision does not concern the junior and under 18 World Championships.
The RIHF will continue to defend its rights in all international instances."
Source: Sportsnet.ca
