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We have all grounds to appeal
– Vladimir Putin

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is considering an appeal against the hefty ban given to the nation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

On 9 December, Russia was banned from taking part in any major sports events for four years – including the 2020 Olympic Games and 2022 FIFA World Cup – due to the country failing to comply with Wada’s conditions over an anti-doping investigation.

Russia was only reinstated to global sport in 2018, following a previous doping-related scandal in 2015.

A day after the latest ban, however, Russian president Vladmir Putin hit out at Wada, claiming that the decision was "politically motivated".

At a press conference, Putin said that WADA's ruling does not include a direct complaint towards the Russian Olympic Committee – which he said meant that WADA's decision "violated the Olympic charter" and the country should, therefore, be allowed to compete under the national flag.

"We have all grounds to appeal," Putin told journalists during the conference.

Announcing the ban on 9 December, WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said: “For too long, Russian doping has detracted from clean sport.

"The blatant breach by the Russian authorities of RUSADA’s reinstatement conditions, approved by the WADA executive committee in September 2018, demanded a robust response.

"That is exactly what has been delivered today.

"Russia was afforded every opportunity to get its house in order and re-join the global anti-doping community for the good of its athletes and of the integrity of sport, but it chose instead to continue in its stance of deception and denial.

"As a result, the WADA ExCo has responded in the strongest possible terms, while protecting the rights of Russian athletes that can prove that they were not involved and did not benefit from these fraudulent acts."

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