PLAYING GAMES

WADA ‘Bitterly Disappointed’ After Russia Misses Doping Data Deadline

Agency could again ban Russians from international competition.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced Wednesday that it was “bitterly disappointed” that Russia’s national monitor missed the deadline to provide doping data from its laboratory in Moscow. The BBC reports the deadline was established last year when WADA chose to lift the suspension that had been imposed on Russia in 2015 after its massive doping scandal and forced its team out of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. But the reinstatement was dependent on Russia fulfilling conditions set out in a “roadmap of compliance,” which included providing full access to the data from its Moscow lab. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency Chief Travis Tygart spoke out against the missed deadline, noting that “In September, WADA moved the goalposts and reinstated Russia, against the wishes of athletes, governments, and the public,” adding that “No one is surprised this deadline was ignored and it’s time for WADA to stop being played by the Russians and immediately declare them non-compliant for failing yet again to meet the deadline.” By missing the deadline, Russia risks being banned again from international sporting competitions. WADA’s Independent Compliance Review Committee will review the matter when it meets Jan. 14, and provide a recommendation to the agency’s executive committee.