WADA stated that Russia has no right to organize the Friendship Games
The Director General of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Olivier Niggli, said that Russia does not have the right to organize the Friendship Games due to the lack of compliance status of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA). His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
Niggli opposed the competition and believed that it was necessary to draw attention to this event from an anti-doping point of view. “It will be organized by a country whose anti-doping system does not comply with the code,” he noted.
On November 15, it became known that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that National Olympic Committees (NOCs) ignore the Friendship Games in Russia. According to NOC Relations Director James McLeod, participation in these competitions is contrary to the sanctions imposed on Russian sports in February 2022.
On October 19, the tournament was decided to be held by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was noted that this decision was made in order to ensure guaranteed free access for Russian athletes and sports organizations to international sports activities. The tournament is expected to be held in Moscow and Yekaterinburg from September 15 to 29, 2024.
Source: Lenta
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