Russian Sports Minister: World Athletics lifts all doping-related sanctions on Russian Athletics Federation

A reporter with China Central Television (CCTV) learned that on March 24, the Russian Minister of Sport and the chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee, Jekkeljajev, said via social media that the Council of the World Athletics Federation (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations) has lifted all doping-related sanctions against the Russian Athletics Federation. Jekkeljajev stated that, under the framework of the Special Conditions Program, the Russian Athletics Federation completed a three-year “observation period”: fulfilling all 34 strategic conditions and operational requirements, introducing new management standards, restructuring its anti-doping work, and updating the structure of local organizations. The Athletics Integrity Committee and independent experts affirmed its progress throughout the entire period and provided a final assessment, which fully met and exceeded the established standards. In November 2015, the International Association of Athletics Federations made a decision to impose a comprehensive “ban” on the Russian Athletics Federation over alleged “systemic” doping. According to this ban, Russian athletes and all related personnel are prohibited from participating in all competitions, including the World Athletics series and the Olympics, until the ban is lifted. (CCTV News)