Russia unlikely to feature in Rio Olympics

European Athletics president Svein Arne Hansen has admitted Russia is unlikely to compete in next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in the wake of a high number of doping cases among the country’s athletes.

In this file photo, a photographer pictures the logo at the IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) headquarters in Monaco.

European Athletics president Svein Arne Hansen has admitted Russia is unlikely to compete in next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in the wake of a high number of doping cases among the country’s athletes.

Hansen, whose body works closely with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on doping and medical issues, called on the country to work harder in order to get rid of the issue before the start of the tournament.

Hansen believes that there was an immediate need for Russia to change their culture. According to Stuff.co.nz, an IAAF inspection committee will visit Russia in January to monitor the country’s reform process on the matter and would declare their decision accordingly. Russia was suspended for an indefinite period last month after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) alleged state-sponsored doping in the sporting superpower, which involves destroying samples and intimidating laboratory staff.