Russia swallow their medicine in anti-doping row in bid to make Olympics

Russia's road to Rio looks rocky.

Well, for their athletics team at least, after the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) accepted their indefinite ban from athletics while the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) undertake an investigation into allegations of widespread and systematic doping in the country. It follows on from a World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) report earlier this month that outlined "systemic failures within the IAAF and Russia that prevent or diminish the possibility of an effective anti-doping program". Russia decided against appealing the ban in the hope the IAAF investigation can be undertaken quickly and they can be reinstated before the World Indoor Championships in Portland in March. Such an outcome would also of course see Russia free to compete at the Olympics in Rio.   https://twitter.com/AFP/status/669876734309830658 The IAAF released a statement confirming the news.

“IAAF council were today informed that written confirmation has been received yesterday from ARAF accepting their full suspension without requesting a hearing, as was their constitutional right. “ARAF confirmed they understood that council would only accept their reinstatement as an IAAF member following the recommendation of the IAAF inspection team, who will decide if the verification criteria have been fulfilled. “ARAF confirmed they will cooperate fully and actively with the team.”

Another proud day for the beleaguered world of athletics.