Jim Walden, lawyer for whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov, has once again harshly criticised the International Olympic Committee in view of the Russian state doping scandal.
The IOC led by President Thomas Bach has long since been preparing for Russia’s return to the Olympic community at the end of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang (9. till 25. February), Walden said.
“If there has ever been a situation that requires an extension of the ban, it is the current one,”said the lawyer in a conversation with the AFP news agency:”But remember my words: Bach will allow Russia to attend the closing ceremony again. Every fan, every clean athlete, every sponsor should be outraged.”
The IOC had ruled out Russia from the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea because of systematic doping, and Rodchenkov’s statements as a key witness played a major role in the decision,”said Walden:” This was before I read the fine print and saw Russia’s reactions.
Among other things, he referred to continued “aggressive denial” of the doping allegations and threats against Rodchenkov:”It shocked me. Despite everything Russia has done since the decision, it is clear that Thomas Bach will let her back to Olympia.”
The IOC had promised that the athletes would be allowed to return behind the Russian flag at the closing ceremony in Pyeongchang. Proven clean athletes of the country are allowed to participate as “Olympic Athletes from Russia” (OAR) under certain conditions anyway.
Irrespective of the ban against Russia for the upcoming Winter Games, the IOC had excluded 43 Russian athletes from Olympic Games for the rest of their lives. 42 persons affected lodged an objection with the International Sports Court of Justice (CAS). Walden reaffirmed that Rodchenkov, former head of the Moscow doping laboratory, would testify in the forthcoming negotiations.
This also applies to the hearing of the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Witali Mutko. Negotiations before the CAS will begin on 21 March. January, judgments are to be delivered by 31 January. January.