WADA convicts 218 Russian athletes based on data from Moscow Laboratory in 2019

MOSCOW. Sept 21 (Interfax) - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has convicted 218 Russian athletes based on test samples taken in the Moscow Laboratory (LIMS) in 2019, a statement on the agency's website said.

"Cases resulting from WADA's retrieval of data and samples from the Moscow Laboratory in 2019 continue to proceed. It was highlighted to the ExCo that a total of 218 cases had so far been successfully convicted and sanctioned, with a further 63 having been charged and many more cases still being actively pursued," the statement said.

Besides, WADA said Russia still does not comply with the World Anti-Doping Code due to inconsistencies in the national legislation, which were found in September 2022 and were never fixed.

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) can appeal this decision within 21 days from the moment of receipt of an official notice from WADA, the statement said.

On December 9, 2020, the WADA Executive Committee recommended depriving RUSADA of the World Anti-Doping Code compliance status and suspending Russian athletes for four years from participating in large international competitions for manipulating the database of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory.