The head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Alexander Zhukov apologized to the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for violating anti-doping rules by Russian athletes. The speech, which he delivered during the meeting of December 5, he published “R-Sport”.
“I am the President of the Russian Olympic Committee apologizes for anti-doping rule violations that were committed in our country”, — said Zhukov.
However, he drew the attention of the Executive Committee to the fact that now most affected are young athletes during the Olympic games in Sochi were not included in the national team.
“They cannot and should not be held responsible for the violations committed earlier, as well as to feel like outcasts on the big sports feast without a national identity, no national anthem, no flag,” — said the head of the ROC.
At the meeting, which was held in Lausanne (Switzerland), the IOC Executive Board decided to suspend the Russian team from participation in the Olympic games 2018 for anti-doping rule violations. To speak in Pyeongchang can only athletes who have proven its “purity”. They will have the opportunity to compete under a neutral flag.
Zhukov and the ROC was disqualified. The Russian side is obliged to reimburse the costs of the investigation and to contribute $ 15 million in the establishment of an independent system test.
A lifetime suspension from the Olympics has received Deputy Prime Minister, Vitaly Mutko and the former Deputy Minister of sports Yuri Nagornykh.
Olympic winter games in Pyeongchang will be held from 9 to 25 February 2018.
Background: Russia has apologized to the IOC