The Russian Anti-Doping Agency, RUSADA, which has been at the center of an international scandal since the publication of a scathing report by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Independent Commission on November 9, 2015, is implying that it is on the path to returning to compliant status.
The IC’s report detailed findings of widespread doping and corruption within Russia’s Athletics (track and field) Federation and led to the immediate suspension of the Moscow Laboratory at the heart of the accusations.
WADA’s board then convened in Colorado Springs on November 18 and declared RUSADA, as well as the anti-doping agencies of Andorra, Israel, Ukraine, Bolivia and Argentina, non-compliant.
Since then, RUSADA has published several articles in the “Press” area of its website, all dated November 19, 2015. The first is entitled (when translated into English), “Association of Russian Anti-Doping Agency RUSADA successfully passed the recertification audit of the British Standards Institution” and it pertains to ISO 9001:2008 certification. This is in fact confusing, as ISO certification is all about management systems and has nothing whatsoever to do with WADA compliance.
The second article’s title can be translated to, “Comments on the decision on compliance RUSADA Code.” It alludes to WADA’s determination on November 18 that RUSADA was non-compliant with WADA Code, which was “based entirely on the findings of the Independent Commission.” It describes RUSADA’s efforts to work with WADA “to address all the identified deficiencies.” It goes on to say RUSADA and WADA are appointing experts “on both sides” and that Russia is committed to the fight against doping.
The third, and most recent, post is a follow-up to the previous article. It clarifies that RUSADA is working in conjunction with WADA, and that the two agencies will set up a cooperative group of experts in order to bring Russia back into compliance with WADA Code.
Russian media outlets quoted Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko as saying, “We are ready to promptly, effectively and conscientiously cooperate with WADA. The decision was expected. We are ready to rebuild our whole anti-doping system.”
I call ……………………..