WADA explains how Russian players can still feature at World Cup despite ban

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has explained how Russian players can still feature at the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite a four-year ban from taking part in global sports tournament.

The European country was suspended on Monday after its anti-doping agency, Rusada was found guilty of incompetence following a scandal in 2014.

Jonathan Taylor, the chair of Wada’s compliance review committee, has explained how Russian players can still take part at the World Cup.

“If they qualify (for the World Cup), a team representing Russia cannot participate. But if there is a mechanism put in place, then they can apply to participate on a neutral basis, not as representatives of Russia,” he said, according to Reuters.

Taylor said Fifa had the option of putting in place such a mechanism and that it would allow clean Russian athletes or players to apply to compete as neutrals.

“It will be for Fifa to implement, but they will have to do so in conjunction with Wada,” Taylor added. “But there will be no flag or anthem.”

Copyright © Soccer24, 2024. All Rights Reserved
NEWS MATCHCENTRE TABLES VIDEOS