Olympic Games: Doping: IBSF Commission against suspension of Russian athletes

The Anti-Doping Commission of the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Federation IBSF has spoken out against a temporary suspension of the Sochi winners Alexander Tretyakov and Alexander Subkov, who were excluded from the Olympic Games for life, because of legal problems.

According to the IBSF, after studying the detailed reasons for the decision of the Oswald Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the committee sees legal obstacles to the enforcement of the sentence.

Accordingly, the testimony of whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov before the Oswald Commission poses a major problem. Rodchenkov had not personally appeared before the commission, but had only testified in writing.

According to the IBSF Panel, this approach violates the Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the rules of the IBSF. In addition, it is highly likely that this would not be compatible with international law, Swiss procedural law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The IBSF Doping Panel concluded that it was a legal necessity to hear Dr Rodchenkov as a witness in order to ensure equal treatment and hence due process,”the Communication stated.

The Executive Committee of the IBSF announced on Tuesday evening that it would appeal to the International Sports Court of CAS against the panel’s decision. A total of 32 Russian athletes have so far been excluded from the Olympic Games by the Oswald Commission for the rest of their lives, 13 of which are the responsibility of the IBSF.

Skeleton-pilot Tretyakov is allowed to continue the World Cup after the decision of the IBSF. Bob-Pilot Subkow has meanwhile resigned and is now president of the Russian sled federation. Their gold medals from Sochi were denied to the two athletes by the IOC.