WADA Report Release 'Timed to Influence CAS Decision' on Russian Athletes

NOVOGORSK (Sputnik) — Richard McLaren, appointed by WADA to head an investigation on alleged doping abuse at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, will present his report on July 18 in Toronto. CAS is due to take decision on the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ban on Russian athletes' participation in international competitions on July 19.

"In is clear that the commission is not being created to praise, but to voice new criticisms and accusations. Why is this report being published now? This is an opportunity to influence the court <…> What can we expect? New accusations that doping is being supported at a state level. But this is impossible. And we are calm, because we have nothing to hide. If we must do something, tell us. Of course, constant accusations are impacting the mood of our athletes. They have been preparing for the Olympics for four years. Every case of anti-doping rules violations must be treated individually," Mutko told reporters.