WADA asks IOC to 'consider responsibilities' over Russia ban

The World Anti-Doping Agency asked Thursday that the International Olympic Committee to "consider its responsibilities" as it debates whether or not to ban all Russian competitors from the Rio Games. A statement from WADA said the global anti-doping group was "satisfied" with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision Thursday to deny an appeal by Russian track and field athletes for Rio reinstatement, saying it helps ensure a "level" playing field at next month's Games. "It is now up to other international federations to consider their responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code as it relates to their Russian national federations and up to the International Olympic Committee... to consider its responsibilities under the Olympic Charter," the WADA statement said. Evidence of a state-supported doping scheme by Russia at the 2014 Winter Olympics and other events was unveiled Monday when the findings of a WADA-commissioned report were released. IOC executives talked Tuesday about a ban on all Russians competing at Rio but set aside a decision to check legal issues and see what CAS would rule on the IAAF ban appeal. Under IAAF Rules, Russian track and field athletes are ineligible to compete in international competitions unless they satisfy specific criteria. "WADA firmly believes this is not about punishing some athletes for the actions of others," WADA president Craig Reedie said. "It is about the IAAF requiring its member national federation (from Russia) to live up to the IAAF's World Anti-Doping Code compliant rules by enforcing them effectively in their jurisdiction. This is vital to ensure that all athletes are competing on a level playing field."