International Olympic Committee bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics
What's the story
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russia from competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
The IOC based its decision on the recently- concluded investigation into state-sponsored doping among athletes at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
However, the IOC has allowed Russian athletes who test clean to compete in the games under a neutral flag.
Information
2018 Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics have been scheduled to be held between February 9-25 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Athletes from across the world will compete in 102 events across 15 sports.
About
What is the Sochi doping investigation all about?
The investigation commenced after whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, director of Russia's anti-doping laboratory during the Sochi games, alleged that Russia ran a systematic doping-program.
He admitted to developing substances to enhance athletes' performance.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) then appointed Canadian sports-lawyer Dr.Richard McLaren to investigate the allegations.
The McLaren Committee found that 1,000 athletes across 30 sports benefited from Russian-sponsored doping between 2012-2015.
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Oswald Committee confirms evidence
After the McLaren Committee submitted its findings, IOC appointed another committee headed by Swiss lawyer, Denis Oswald which conducted a 17-month investigation. Its findings backed the evidence provided by Dr Rodchenkov.
IOC's decisions
What did IOC rule?
Along with a ban on Russian athletes, IOC has banned Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko and former-deputy sports minister, Yuri Nagornykh from all future Olympic games.
IOC has imposed a $15m fine on the Russian Olympic Committee to cover the costs of the investigation and establish an Independent Testing Authority.
It said the sanctions may be lifted by the closing ceremony, if Russia complies.
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Russia reacts to the IOC ruling
Russian politicians and athletes condemned the IOC decision to ban them. They were unhappy about Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag. "In my view, a great power can't go 'incognito' to the Olympics," said Frants Klintsevich, deputy chairman of Russian parliament's defense committee.
Conclusion
What next?
Russia is a sporting powerhouse nation. The IOC's decision has turned it into a sporting pariah.
However, this is unlikely to affect international sporting events such as the 2018 FIFA world cup which will still be hosted in Russia.
Moreover, Russia seems to have taken great offense and might decide to not let its athletes compete in Pyeongchang even under a neutral flag.