Veronika Loginova: WADA's arguments unfounded. TASS

The statement by the WADA leadership that it is impossible to conduct an on-site audit of RUSADA's activities due to complex geopolitical conditions is "unfounded", RUSADA Director General Veronika Loginova told the TASS news agency.

Veronika Loginova was interviewed by the TASS news agency to explain the situation of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) statement about the impossibility of conducting an on-site audit of RUSADA's activities.

"There are no obstacles to conducting an on-site audit of RUSADA's activities, we are ready to meet with experts at any time," Loginova said. "Foreign representatives currently working in Russian sport have no problems in Russia, so WADA's statements about geopolitical reasons for the impossibility of conducting an audit seem unfounded. I am confident that RUSADA, together with the Russian Ministry of Sport, will solve the problem of ensuring the safety of the WADA delegation."

"Regarding the fulfilment of the conditions for the restoration of the agency, as specified in the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), we have fulfilled all the requirements related to the independence of our operational activities," she said.

Veronika Loginova, Director General of RUSADA. 'X' / RUSADA
Veronika Loginova, Director General of RUSADA. 'X' / RUSADA 

"The CAS decision mentions the provision of reports, and we have regularly provided detailed information on our independence without any problems. We have already undergone an audit in 2022. It was conducted in an online format, we provided all requested data and materials, and the auditors communicated with all department heads," Loginova added.

On 17 December 2020, CAS partially supported WADA's case against RUSADA. The Russian authorities deny the allegations of data manipulation. The sanctions expired on 16 December 2022. RUSADA has not yet received World Anti-Doping Code compliance status from WADA. The CAS decision does not provide for an external audit of RUSADA to restore its rights.

"It is a cynical attempt by the Russian Federation to politicise sport." The IOC has also accused Moscow of "total disregard for the global anti-doping standards and the integrity of competitions", citing concerns raised last week by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about institutionalised doping at the Sochi Games 10 years ago.

"This position is reinforced by the fact that the Russian National Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is currently non-compliant with the Code, there is currently no WADA-accredited laboratory in Russia and overall confidence in the anti-doping system in Russia remains low," the IOC said.