DISINFO: WADA’s decision on Russia is politically motivated and is against the Olympic Charter
SUMMARY
The fact that the WADA’s decision has political motives is unambiguous. We consider this decision politicised. […] We believe that the decision to strip our country’s flag at international competitions, including the upcoming Olympic Games in Japan, contradicts the Olympic Charter.
RESPONSE
Conspiracy theory, consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the World Anti-Doping Agency and the denial of state-sponsored doping scheme of Russian athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned Russia from participating in major sports events for 4 years. The unanimous decision by WADA's Executive Committee was made after Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was declared uncompliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) – the document harmonising anti-doping policies in all sports and in all countries. WADA’s decision does not violate the Olympic Charter as claimed by Russia. In fact, rule 43 of the Charter states that “compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of Manipulations of Competitions is mandatory for the whole Olympic Movement”. Read more here.