Russian athletes will miss this summer’s Olympic in Rio de Janeiro after losing an appeal, Friday, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Switzerland.
The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) had earlier banned the country’s track and field athletes over allegations of state-sponsored doping.
Failure to overturn this ruling at Sports apex court means 68 Russian athletes will not be part of the party in Brazil come August 5.
“CAS rejects the claims/appeal of the Russian Olympic Committee and 68 Russian athletes,” a statement from CAS said.
The decision adds further weight to calls for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to implement a blanket ban on Russia competing at next month’s event in Brazil.
The Kremlin “deeply regrets” CAS upholding the ban on Russian athletes, said presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov.
“We can only express our deep regrets. The news is not too good, and we certainly will have to analyse the situation, taking in account the [CAS] decision, that’s why I would avoid any further comments on that matter.”
Russian Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko, also offered his thoughts following the announcement.
“I regret CAS’s decision. Unfortunately, by introduction of collective responsibility, it is the creation of a precedent. But we didn’t expect a different result. When the IOC vice-president says that Russian athletes have nothing to do at the Olympics – it’s certainly a signal,” said Mutko.
However IAAF released a statement on its website, saying it “has taken a strong stance on upholding the World Anti-Doping Code without fear and favour and is pleased that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has supported its position.”
“Today’s judgement has created a level playing field for athletes,” the statement read.
“The CAS award upholds the rights of the IAAF to use its rules for the protection of the sport, to protect clean athletes and support the credibility and integrity of competition.”
With the recent ban, a handful of Russian athletes could still compete as neutrals at the Rio Games.
