WADA suspend 'non-compliant' Russian Anti-Doping Agency

Russian athletics received another jolt with the World Anti-Doping Agency suspending RUSADA.

New Delhi: Embattled Russian athletics received another jolt on Thursday with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) suspending RUSADA - the country's anti-doping agency for non-complaince.

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency has been suspended after being declared “non-compliant with immediate effect” at a Wada meeting in Colorado. This latest development will further increase uncertainties over Russia's participation in the next year's Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

It revealed that WADA had requested the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to provisionally suspend RUSADA.

1/2..A recap of actions taken following recent WADA Report:Moscow laboratory provisionally suspended and its Director no longer in role.. — WADA (@wada_ama) November 18, 2015

Besides Russia, the global anti-doping body also declared Andorra, Israel, Argentina, Bolivia and Ukraine's anti-doping agencies 'non-complaint'.

2/3...WADA requested IAAF to provisionally suspend Russian Athletics Federation-IAAF approved request; RUSADA declared non-compliant by WADA — WADA (@wada_ama) November 18, 2015

The body then Brazil, Belgium, France, Greece, Mexico and Spain on a ‘watch list’ and they must adhere to ‘strict conditions’ by March 18, 2016. And failure to meet those conditions will see them declared non-compliant.

Under rules agreed by WADA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) only countries in full compliance with anti-doping agency's code can participate in the Olympics.

In a statement released after the Colorado meeting today, WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said, “The message from today’s seminal WADA Foundation Board Meeting is clear: there will now be greater focus on strengthening compliance work so that all anti-doping organizations worldwide are held accountable to deliver robust anti-doping programs.”

WADA Foundation Board Media Release: WADA Strengthens Anti-Doping Worldwide https://t.co/ub2m0bXODH #WADAReport #cleansport — WADA (@wada_ama) November 18, 2015

“We will conduct the necessary meetings with the Russian authorities in respect of the non-compliance status of RUSADA that tests athletes in all sports within Russia.”

“A WADA expert team will then meet with the task of ensuring the continuation of testing in Russia. Any information brought forward to me as a result will allow me to make a considered decision on whether or not to extend the Independent Commission’s mandate,” he added, addressing the Russian angle.