(ATR) The anti-doping commission created by Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly calling for new measures while denying Russian government involvement in the widespread doping scandal brought to light by the McLaren report.
The commission, led by former IOC member Vitaly Smirnov, claims the Russian government did not play any role in covering up drug use by its athletes, according to the Associated Press.
Instead, it appears the blame is being placed on some coaches, who the commission says were motivated to use any means to help their athletes win.
The commission report does call for a change in the rules that would make it easier to recover prize money and other financial awards from athletes and coaches who break anti-doping rules.
Other items on the commission’s wish list include extra drug testing and more access to Russia's so-called "closed cities," the military facilities where some athletes train and where drug testers are seldom allowed in.
Smirnov also told TASS on Tuesday that a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) delegation will pay a visit to Russia this week to help in the effort to get the Russian Anti-doping Agency (RUSADA) reinstated into the global organization.
Putin Meets Infantino as Confederations Cup Kickoff Looms
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of next month’s FIFA Confederations Cup.
Putin, according to TASS, assured Infantino that Russia will do its best in hosting both the Confederations Cup and next year’s FIFA World Cup.
"We will do everything to bring facilities and terms of stay in Russia as well as everything regarding the service provision to numerous fans, spectators and athletes to the highest possible level," Putin said to Infantino during their meeting in the southern city of Krasnodar on Tuesday.
One major issue that Russian organizers are dealing with is the poor state of the pitch at the St. Petersburg stadium, site of the Confederations Cup opener and final.
Deputy Prime Minister and Russia 2018 chief Vitaly Mutko tells Russian agency R-Sport that new sod is currently being installed in the 68,000-seat stadium and should be completed by June 2. That’s just 15 days before the opening game between Russia and New Zealand.
Putin and Infantino also met with a group of volunteers and visited the football academy and stadium of Russian Premier League club FC Krasnodar during their visit.
Written by Gerard Farek
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