The Russian Federation has been banned from international sports competitions. Russian athletes who wish to compete in the Olympics must do so under a neutral status. This ban could last up to for years meaning Russia will miss out on the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Cup. Allegations of state sponsored doping programs have been made, yet there is little evidence to suggest there was a program that was similar to East Germany in the past. The World Anti-Doping Agency stands by its findings that the Russian government did have a network of providing performance enhancing substances. Russia has according to the WADA deleted or manipulated data related to drug use from its Moscow Laboratory . So far, it appears that President Putin will appeal the four year ban. It would seem fair that athletes who were not found positive for substances should be allowed to compete. However, some voices in WADA want a ban of all Russian athletes. This position indicates that the ban may have a political motivation. Russia and the West are at a nadir in terms of relations, which may explain such views. Many countries have athletes who have used performance enhancing drugs, but never faced as much serious punishment. The scandal brings into question drug policy, the politics of sport, and testing.
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