Russian Athletes Remain Banned from International Competition

Russian athletes remain banned from international competition including the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Athletics chiefs have decided not to lift the suspension, which was imposed in November following accusations of state-sponsored doping.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) this week said officials in Russia were being stopped from testing athletes and threatened by security services.

Russia's Ministry of Sport said it was "extremely disappointed".

Its statement continued: "Clean athletes' dreams are being destroyed because of the reprehensible behaviour of other athletes and officials. They have sacrificed years of their lives striving to compete at the Olympics and now that sacrifice looks likely to be wasted.

"We have done everything possible since the ban was first imposed to regain the trust of the international community. We have rebuilt our anti-doping institutions which are being led by respected international experts.

"Our athletes are being tested by the UK's anti-doping agency (UKAD) and every one of them is undergoing a minimum of three tests in addition to the usual requirements. We have nothing to hide and feel we had met the IAAF's conditions for re-entry."

The country was suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) after an independent Wada report depicted a culture of widespread doping, with even the secret services involved.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has since said he is "very sorry" cheating athletes were not caught by the country's anti-doping systems, but stopped short of admitting the scandal had been state-sponsored.

A taskforce has been studying the Russian reforms but a fresh Wada report, issued on Wednesday, made more damaging claims.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates said Russia's athletes should remain banned and not be allowed to take part in the Rio Games this summer.

He also said Russia's anti-doping agency and athletics body were "rotten to the core".

However, the IOC could still allow Russian athletes to compete at the Olympics, which begin on 5 August.

IOC officials gather in Lausanne on Tuesday to discuss the matter, with some concerned a suspension would punish innocent athletes.

''BBC News ''