Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Doping scandal may cost Moscow the 2018 World Cup, analysts say

Doping scandal may cost Moscow the 2018 World Cup, analysts say
Edited by: A. N.

If as a result of the large-scale doping scandal, the International Olympic Committee votes to prevent Russian athletes from taking part in the Rio Games, then FIFA, the international football association which is obligated to follow IOC decisions, would likely strip Russia of its right to host the 2018 World Cup, two Moscow analysts say.

That would constitute a major public relations disaster for Vladimir Putin who has made the hosting of this competition the most important follow-on event to the 2014 Sochi Olympiad, and it would also eliminate one of the major channels through which he has corruptly purchased the support of key Russian elites.

Consequently, the IOC decision, which a drumbeat of recent events suggests will go against Moscow, could cast a far larger shadow than many now think and have serious repercussions in Russian politics, repercussions far larger if as yet less attended to than a ban on Russian athletes at the upcoming Olympiad.

Writing on the “Profile” portal, Dmitry Dedashin and Viktor Khrushchev argue that “the doping scandal which broke out last fall … has gone to a new level,” one in which Russia may become the first country in history to be stripped of the right to send all its athletes to an Olympiad.

That prospect has become possible since it now appears, on the basis of statements by Vitaly Stepanov and Georgy Rodchenkov, two former Russian officials in a position to know, that the Russian sports authorities and Russian government engaged in mass deceptions about the use of drugs by its athletes at the Sochi Games, according to IOC President Thomas Bach.

Moscow’s reaction to this has been to denounce the reporting in the Western media as an anti-Russian “spectacle” and “invention.” But that has not stopped WADA expanding its investigation and the FBI getting involved as well, steps that are likely to keep this issue in the public eye and raise more questions about Russian behavior.

Edited by: A. N.
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts