Doping: Russian athletes remain banned from competition including Olympics

  Russian track and field athletes remain banned from international competition, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Athletics chiefs have decided not to lift the suspension, which was imposed in November following accusations of state-sponsored doping.

But individual athletes can compete as neutrals if they prove they are clean.

Meanwhile, Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva said she would challenge the IAAF’s decision in court, claiming it was “a human rights violation”.

Isinbayeva, 34, who won Olympic gold in 2004 and 2008, added: “I’m disappointed and angry. I am offended. Nobody defended us.

“Nobody fought for our rights and there are huge concerns over the IAAF itself and its stance on defending the rights of clean athletes.

“We are blamed for something we have not done. I will not remain silent, I will take measures. I will appeal to the human rights court.”

Russian president Vladimir Putin described the ban as “unjust and unfair”.

He said: “There are universally recognised principles of law and one of them is that the responsibility should be always personified.

“If some of the members of your family have committed a crime, would it be fair to hold all the members of the family liable, including you? That is not how it’s done.

“The people who have nothing to do with violations, why should they suffer for those who committed the violations?”

In a statement, Russia’s Ministry of Sport said it was “extremely disappointed” by the IAAF decision.

It continued: “Clean athletes’ dreams are being destroyed because of the reprehensible behaviour of other athletes and officials. They have sacrificed years of their lives striving to compete at the Olympics and now that sacrifice looks likely to be wasted.

“We have done everything possible since the ban was first imposed to regain the trust of the international community. We have rebuilt our anti-doping institutions which are being led by respected international experts.

“Our athletes are being tested by the UK’s anti-doping agency (UKAD) and every one of them is undergoing a minimum of three tests in addition to the usual requirements. We have nothing to hide and feel we had met the IAAF’s conditions for re-entry.”

IAAF president Lord Coe said “no politics” were involved in the decision over Russia’s ban. He emphasised the unanimous nature of the verdict and the international range of council members.

Coe also said he was “very happy” to return to the House of Commons culture, media and sport committee to give further evidence about doping and corruption in athletics, and when he was first made aware of allegations.

BBC