Russia decides to pay a fine for violating anti-doping rules
Today, the Russian Sports Ministry announced its decision to pay the Russian Federation of Athletics (RUSAF) the fine imposed by the International Athletics Federation for violating anti-doping rules. Russia had to pay the $ 6.31 million fine (5 million fines, 1.31 million procedural costs) before July 1, accusing him of providing forged documents to obstruct a doping investigation into high jump star Daniel Lesenko.
Last March, the International Federation fined the Russian Federation ten million dollars, and warned it that the system for allowing Russian athletes to participate in the Olympiad as neutral athletes (10 athletes) will be suspended if five million dollars are not paid by the first of July.
But in a meeting held at the end of July, the IAAF granted its Russian counterpart a deadline of 15th of this month, after receiving a letter with guarantees of settlement from the Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matisen, provided that a procedure for excluding Rusav from the International Federation would be initiated in the event that it was not Respecting this deadline, which would expose Russian athletes to exclusion from participating in the Olympic Games next summer in Tokyo, even under a neutral banner.
"An unprecedented decision has been taken regarding offering a grant to the Russian Athletics Federation to develop this sport, including settling debts with the International Federation," the Sports Ministry said in a statement.
The statement stressed that "defending the interests of Russian athletes and restoring their right to international participation" is among the "priorities" of the Ministry of Sports, calling for the adoption of a "culture of zero tolerance towards doping" in Russia.
Athletics has been rocked for years by frequent doping scandals, which the government has been accused of planning, prompting the International Federation to stop Russian athletics since 2015.