DISINFO: WADA's decision to ban Russia from major sport events is politically motivated
SUMMARY
Had there been a vote or a discussion [at WADA’s Executive Committee] then one might think that Russian sports officials had done something wrong. But the unanimity of the decision [to ban Russia from major sport events for 4 years] shows this was a completely political decision. Note that all of this is happening on the day of the meeting of the Normandy format.
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 sport 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 Executive committee is composed of 12 members representing both the Olympic Movement and governments. The Executive Committee made its decision based on recommendation of WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC), which has considered a report from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Intelligence and Investigations Department (I&I) and findings of independent forensic experts. Russian authorities have a right to appeal the decision within 21 days. Read more here.