As if the initial accusation by WADA that Russian doping was institutional in nature, the Associated Press has now revealed that Russia’s doping problem may go all the way to the top.
AP reporters were given access to the 89 page report prior to it’s official release. The damning passage comes when the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Lamine Diack asserts that he needed to bargain with Putin in order to ensure that nine Russian athletes accused of doping would not take part in the 2013 World Track and Field Championships in Moscow.
That was not the full extent of the implicated corruption, as the report includes details that call into question both IAAF leadership as well as Putin. Another piece of evidence suggesting backroom dealing was the purported raising of the fee for television rights to the Moscow championship. That price went from $6 million to $25 million, with the difference provided by a Russian bank.
The report also suggests that beyond Diack, there is no way that other IAAF council members could not have knowledge of such deals. While no direct links have been made to swimming as of yet, there is also nothing to suggest that Putin focused purely on success in Track and Field.
Putin was honored with the FINA Order medal just one year ago. At the time, FINA president Julio Maglione was effusive in his praise of Putin:
“Russia is undoubtedly one of the most important and major powers in world sport. These achievements are only possible thanks to the active support from the Russian authorities to Aquatics. The personal involvement of President Putin in this area greatly contributes to strengthen the fraternity between nations, improve the lifestyle and education of the youth in Russia and promote a healthier society, in a spirit of peace and friendship”
Maglione has faced his own accusations of corruption as he continues to serve as the head of FINA despite being too old to continue in the IOC. Maglione is 80 years old.
Putin might be involved in the Russian doping scandal?
The surprise is palpable.
So this is why the US has never held a World Swimming Championships in 50 years? They are simply too honest 😉
Athletics is at a crossroads not just on the drugs front , but the age of fans who have an average age of 55 (& soon to need drug help themselves ). Seb Coe awarded the 2021 World Athletics to Eugene without it even bidding in a desperate attempt to twin with NIKe ‘s somewhat younger customers. in my opinion these brands are yesterdays news & only worn by 40 year olds so it is buying limited time .
The people at the top of these sports organisations began as volunteers & are all quite old . For… Read more »