Russian Track and Field Ban Upheld by IAAF Ahead of 2016 Rio Olympics

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) upheld the ban on Russian track and field athletes Friday ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Owen Gibson of the Guardian reported the IAAF voted unanimously to keep the suspension in place following a doping scandal. The Associated Press noted the Russian sports ministry stated it's "extremely disappointed" by the governing body's decision.

Natalia Zhelanova, adviser to Russia's minister of sports Vitaly Mutko, passed along the full statement from the sports ministry:

Although the ban on international competition was upheld, there's still a chance certain Russian track athletes could be allowed to compete in Rio. A meeting next week between members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), other international sports leaders and representatives from anti-doping bodies could allow select athletes to compete based on "individual justice," according to the Guardian.

USA Track and Field President Stephanie Hightower released a statement regarding Friday's news:

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The decision by Council goes to the essence of our sport's most critical issue. The IAAF has the obligation to do what is best for the sport and, first and foremost, to ensure clean and fair competition for all athletes. The continued suspension of the Russian federation came after a thorough and fair process. It is the only proper course of action given the compelling and powerful evidence presented to Council. We do not believe that every Russian athlete cheated, and it is unfortunate and regrettable that some may pay a penalty for the serious transgressions of their federation. Ultimately, Council chose to act with unanimity and strength to help rebuild the integrity of the sport and the public trust.

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The IOC Executive Board also released a statement Saturday regarding the ban:

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The IOC has taken note of the decision of the IAAF Council and of the report and recommendations of the IAAF Taskforce.

The IOC Executive Board, in a telephone conference today, emphasized that it fully respects the IAAF position. The eligibility of athletes in any international competition including the Olympic Games is a matter for the respective International Federation.

The IOC will initiate further far-reaching measures in order to ensure a level playing field for all the athletes taking part in the Olympic Games Rio 2016. The upcoming Olympic Summit on Tuesday will address the situation of the countries in which the National Anti-Doping Organisation has been declared non-compliant by WADA for reasons of the non-efficient functioning of the national anti-doping system.

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Dan Roan of BBC Sport reported the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) stated this week that its officials in Russia were threatened by security services when trying to test athletes. The initial suspension was levied in November after a WADA report showed an extensive doping scandal.

Last month, Mutko wrote an article in the Sunday Times about the widespread problem but didn't admit any government involvement (via the Associated Press):

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Serious mistakes have been made by the federation management, along with athletes and coaches who have broken anti-doping rules and neglected the principle of fair play. Let us be clear. We are ashamed of them.

We are very sorry that athletes who tried to deceive us, and the world, were not caught sooner. We are very sorry because Russia is committed to upholding the highest standards in sport and is opposed to anything that threatens the Olympic values.

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The comments came after Rebecca R. Ruiz and Michael Schwirtz of the New York Times provided further details about a "state-run doping program" at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The report alleged at least 15 medal winners were involved, according to the director of the anti-doping lab.

Opening ceremonies for the 2016 Olympics are scheduled for Aug. 5, with track and field competition scheduled to begin Aug. 12. It leaves less than two months for the appeal process to either overturn the Russian ban or grant individual clearance based on merit.