2018 Winter Olympics PyeongChang: Russia banned over doping concerns

The IOC  announced that the a 14 member panel  of International Olympic Committee has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. “Systematic manipulation” of anti-doping rules was the main reason cited.

The panel had deliberated in detail a confidential IOC report that detailed Russia’s official doping plan during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, followed up by an extensive cover-up.

Prior to the ban various detailed investigation reports had been compiled which included – The McLaren Report, released in two parts by the World Anti-Doping Agency and then the Schmid Report.

Russia has the right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Salient features of the panel decision:

• Decision was taken after detailed deliberation and approval of the Schmid Report ( link below).

• The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) stand suspended with immediate effect.

• If any Russian athletes are permitted to attend, they will not be competing under the Russian flag. The will compete under the name “Olympic Athlete from Russia” (OAR).

• For any medal winning ceremony for Russian athletes, the Olympic flag and anthem will be hosted and played respectively.

• No official from the Russian Ministry of Sport for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 will be accredited.

• During that time the Minister of Sport, Mr Vitaly Mutko, and his Deputy Minister, Mr. Yuri Nagornykh, will not be permitted to participate in any manner in all future Olympic Games.

• To withdraw Mr. Dmitry Chernyshenko, the former CEO of the Organising Committee Sochi 2014, from the Coordination Commission Beijing 2022.

• Suspension of ROC President Alexander Zhukov as an IOC Member, given that his membership is linked to his position as ROC President.

Report of the Schmid Commission

Courtesy: IOC