IOC fully respects IAAF's decision to uphold ban on Russia

Geneva: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday it supported the IAAF's "strong stance against doping" following the athletics ruling body's extension of Russia's ban.

"The IOC welcomes and supports the IAAF's strong stance against doping. This is in line with the IOC's long-held zero-tolerance policy. 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 (Saturday), emphasized that it fully respects the IAAF position," the IOC said in a statement, reports Xinhua.

On Friday, IAAF officially announced its decision to uphold the Russian Athletics Federation's ban on the IAAF membership, which means that Russian athletes cannot participate in international competitions.

There had been speculation that the IOC is likely to overturn or amend the IAAF decision, but the IOC noted that "the eligibility of athletes in any international competition including the Olympic Games is a matter for the respective International Federation".

The IOC is scheduled to hold an emergency summit next Tuesday in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the eligibility issues for the games.