CAS clears 28 Russian athletes - may not be invited

42 athletes was sanctioned by the Disciplinary Commission of the International Olympic Committee and thus disqualified for participating in the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang in South Korea. In 28 cases, the evidence collected was found to be insufficient to establish that an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) was committed by the athletes concerned, CAS writes in a press release. The individual results achieved in Sochi 2014 are reinstated for these 28 athletes. In 11 cases CAS found the evidence was found to be sufficient to establish an individual ADRV. CAS has declared the athletes ineligible for the next edition of the Olympic Winter Games and not a life ban from all Olympic Games.

IOC may appeal to Swiss Federal Tribunal

The IOC writes in a statement that they are considering an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal. IOC is satisfied by the confirmation of the Anti-Doping Rule Violations for 11 athletes because of the manipulation of their samples clearly demonstrates once more the existence of the systemic manipulation of the anti-doping system at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The sport organisation is on the other hand disappointed with CAS on the decision to let 28 Russian athletes be cleared for the 2018 Olympic Games. - The IOC regrets very much that – according to the CAS press release – the panels did not take this proven existence of the systemic manipulation of the anti-doping system into consideration for the other 28 cases. The CAS required an even higher threshold on the necessary level of evidence than the Oswald Commission and former CAS decisions, writes IOC. - This may have a serious impact on the future fight against doping. Therefore, the IOC will analyse the reasoned decisions very carefully once they are available and consider consequences, including an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

May not be invited to the Games

IOC notes that the result of the CAS decision does not mean that athletes from the group of 28 will be invited to the Games. Not being sanctioned does not automatically confer the privilege of an invitation. In this context, it is also important to note that, in his press conference, the CAS Secretary General insisted that the CAS decision “…does not mean that these 28 athletes are declared innocent”.