Nov. 18--To no big surprise, World Anti-Doping Agency officials declared Wednesday that Russia's national program for testing athletes is non-compliant with international rules.
That means the embattled Russians cannot host -- or even bid to host -- a major sporting event.
It was just last week that an independent commission established by WADA accused Russia of widespread cheating in the sport of track and field, alleging that officials, coaches and doctors had encouraged and, in some cases pressured, athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs.
Saying that it wanted to act "quickly and firmly," WADA immediately revoked its accreditation of the country's main drug-testing lab in Moscow.
International track officials then placed the Russian track federation on provisional suspension, barring its athletes from entering international competitions, including the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics.
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However, the door has been left open for reinstatement if Russia enacts immediate reforms.
This week, with WADA holding meetings in Colorado Springs, Colo., there have been calls for a broader investigation of all Russian sports.
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