Moscow (AFP)
The exclusion of Russia for four years from the Olympic Games by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an "anti-Russian hysteria", said Monday his Prime Minister while recognizing "serious problems" doping in Russian sport .
"All these decisions are repeated against athletes who have already been punished (...) which is reminiscent of the pursuit of a chronic anti-Russian hysteria," said Dmitry Medvedev, quoted by Russian agencies.
He said he hoped the Russian "competent sports bodies" would appeal WADA's decision, even if it is "clear that there are serious doping problems in our sports world".
AMA on Monday put Russia on the sidelines of the world sports community by excluding it from the Olympics for four years and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, to punish Moscow for recidivating cheating by falsifying control data.
Russians will still be able to participate in these great competitions, but under a neutral flag and without the national anthem ringing.
© 2019 AFP