Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

UK Anti-Doping may play lead role in Russia drug tests

WADA met with UKAD, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and the Russian Ministry of Sport last month to discuss how an effective programme could run during RUSADA's non-compliance with anti-doping rules.

UK Anti-Doping may play lead role in Russia drug tests
(Reuters)

Contractual discussions are still ongoing and once terms are reached UKAD's involvement aims to ensure that targeted testing is carried out while the RUSADA works on becoming compliant.

"WADA appreciates UKAD's willingness to assist the Agency, RUSADA and other stakeholders in establishing the necessary testing programme in Russia during this period of non-compliance,” WADA Director General David Howman said in a statement.

"It is essential that a quality testing programme is in place for Russian athletes throughout RUSADA’s period of non-compliance – clean athletes of the world, and indeed the public at-large, expect no less."

WADA suspended the Russian Anti-Doping Agency for non-compliance in November following an independent commission's report that detailed a widespread doping in the country.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The report found cover-ups, bribes to conceal positive tests, destruction of samples and evidence of Russian state security services of colluding with the country's athletics federation to enable athletes to freely dope.

WADA also said on Wednesday it will name two international experts to oversee the cleanup of Russia's anti-doping agency and requested that another outside expert sit on a newly-formed RUSADA board.

"There is much work to be done if RUSADA is to become compliant again," said Howman.

"By appointing independent international experts, WADA will be able to monitor the situation and determine when requirements will have been met that will protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide; and, help re-establish public confidence in the Russian anti-doping programme."

(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Frank Pingue)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world