WADA suspended Russian Anti-Doping Agency for non-compliance

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 18 November 2015 suspended the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) with immediate effect. WADA termed RUSADA as non-compliant with international sport's anti-doping code.

The WADA took the decision to suspend RUSADA following a key recommendation of the Independent Commission headed by Richard Proud. The commission had found widespread doping in Russian athletics.

The suspension means that Russia, now, has no functioning national anti-doping body to test its athletes in any sport. The suspension has also created doubts over participation of Russia in 2016 Summer Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Besides, Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia and Ukraine were also termed non-compliant. However, they were not suspended. They have been given a deadline of 18 March 2016 to comply with international sport's anti-doping code. In addition, Brazil, Belgium, France, Greece, Mexico and Spain were placed on a compliance watchlist.

The timeline

• In November 2015, WADA published an independent panel report that exposed a vast state-sponsored doping programme in Russian track and field, plunging athletics. The report also accused RUSADA of routinely violating international testing standards and allowing athletes banned for doping to compete despite having been suspended from competition, among other accusations.

• On 13 November 2015, Russia was provisionally suspended from track and field events by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

• On 9 November 2015, the Independent Commission on Doping in Sports submitted its report to the World Anti-Doping Agency . The report recommended that WADA declare the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) and RUSADA to be Code noncompliant.

• In June 2015, the Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRV) Report for 2013 published by WADA revealed that Russia has maximum number of dope offenders.

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