2016 Olympics: Russia escape blanket ban, but IOC bars whistle-blower from Rio Games

The IOC has been under huge pressure to throw Russia out of the Games after a second WADA-funded investigation found proof of a doping programme directed by the Russian state.

New Delhi: Russia will take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sunday decided not to impose a blanket ban over state-run doping, but said each sports federation needed to establish an athlete`s individual eligibility.

Federations "should carry out an individual analysis of each athlete`s anti-doping record, taking into account only reliable adequate international tests, and the specificities of the athlete`s sport and its rules, in order to ensure a level playing field," the IOC said in a statement.

However, IOC barred Russian 800-metre runner Yuliya Stepanova, who lifted the lid on systematic doping fraud and corruption in Russian athletics, from the Rio Games.

"However, the IOC EB would like to express its appreciation for Mrs Stepanova`s contribution to the fight against doping and to the integrity of sport," theICO Executive Board said, after holding emergency talks over Russian participation in Rio.

The IOC has been under huge pressure to throw Russia out of the Games after a second World Anti-Doping Agency-funded investigation found proof of a doping programme directed by the Russian state.

The statement further reads: “Entry [to the Rio Olympics] will be accepted by the IOC only if an athlete is able to provide evidence to the full satisfaction of his or her international federation.”

The IOC released two part statement, detailing the decisions taken by the Executive Board. It said "the IOC EB was guided by a fundamental rule of the Olympic Charter to protect clean athletes and the integrity of sport".