Russia should be banned from international athletics for doping violations, according to an independent report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Compiled by former WADA president Dick Pound, the findings uncovered a “deeply rooted culture of cheating at all levels” within Russian athletics.
The report says over 1,400 samples had been “intentionally and maliciously” destroyed by a Moscow laboratory even after a plea to preserve them and that Russian law enforcement agencies were involved.
At the London 2012 Olympics, Russia won a total of 82 medals — finishing fourth in the table with 24 golds.
The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was not immediately available for comment.
Pound’s report details “corruption and bribery practices at the highest levels of international athletics,” evidence of which has been transmitted to international crime-fighting organization Interpol for appropriate investigation.
More to follow …
