CAS overturns life-ban imposed on 28 Russian athletes
What's the story
In a major relief to Russia, the lifetime doping ban imposed on 28 Russian athletes was overturned on Thursday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The new ruling could mean that their 2014 Winter Olympics results will be reinstated and they could, in theory, now compete at the upcoming Winter Games in Pyeongchang, scheduled to begin on 9th of February.
Here's more!
Ban not justified
Lifetime ban can't be justified: CAS
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has said the evidence against the 28 athletes was insufficient to prove that they were involved in doping.
11 other athletes' appeal against the International Olympic Committee's doping ban was partially upheld by the CAS.
However, the CAS stated the lifetime ban on those 11 athletes was not justified and the punishment could be cut down.
Quote
Court of Arbitration for Sport's statement
"Unanimously found that the evidence put forward by the IOC in relation to this matter did not have the same weight in each individual case. In 28 cases, the evidence collected was found to be insufficient to establish that an anti-doping rule violation was committed"
Not guilty
McLaren report had claimed Russia sponsored doping programme
A total of 43 Russians were banned for life by the IOC, post an investigation following the McLaren report, which claimed that Russia sponsored a countrywide doping programme between 2011 and 2015.
This resulted in Russia being banned from competing at the Pyeongchang games but Russians, who were not found guilty of doping, could take part as neutrals.
Russia still banned
Russians redeemed from Olympic ban
The International Olympic Council had invited 169 Russian athletes to compete at the Pyeongchang, Winter Olympics under a neutral flag after Russia was banned for doping violations.
However, the new ruling could mean the IOC will be forced to allow the athletes they consider violators to compete at the 2018 Winter Games.