Rio De Janeiro : International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Tuesday demanded a sweeping overhaul of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Tuesday as Russian appeals against bans mounted just three days from the opening of the Rio Games.
Bach rejected the “nuclear option” of ordering a complete ban on Russian athletes over accusations of widespread state-organised doping. Two swimmers could be told whether their demand to be allowed to compete has been successful. In a strongly-worded speech to the IOC, Bach called for WADA to be subjected to a thorough review, laying bare a growing rift between Olympic chiefs.
“Recent developments have shown that we need a full review of the WADA anti-doping system,” Bach said.
“The IOC is calling for a more robust and efficient anti-doping system. This requires clear responsibilities, more transparency, more independence and better worldwide harmonisation.”