The four year ban was reduced to two
The Russian flag will not be represented at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 or the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year after a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Russia was initially given a four year ban by the World anti-doping agency (WADA), after the Russian anti-doping agency was found to be non-compliant with the global anti-doping code. WADA accused the country of running one of the most sophisticated doping schemes in history in pursuit of sporting glory and Olympic medals.
But after an appeal to CAS, the ban has been reduced to two years. Though CAS reiterated the decision to reduce the ban should not be interpreted as "validation" of Russia's conduct.
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"This panel has imposed consequences to reflect the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance and to ensure that the integrity of sort against the scourge of doping is maintained," said the panel, concluding its decision.
Russian athletes will still be able to compete in the Olympic games under a neutral flag if they can prove they are drug free.
Russia will still take part in Euro 2020 (2021) because it is a UEFA tournament, whereas the World Cup is FIFA. UEFA are not regarded as a "major events organisation" regarding rules on anti-doping breaches.
