IOC chief calls for total overhaul of WADA

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach yesterday demanded a sweeping overhaul of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as Russian appeals against bans mounted just three days from the opening of the Rio Games

RIO DE JANEIRO: International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach yesterday demanded a sweeping overhaul of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as Russian appeals against bans mounted just three days from the opening of the Rio Games.

IOC chief Thomas Bach

Bach rejected the "nuclear option" of ordering a complete ban on Russian athletes over accusations of widespread state-organised doping. Two swimmers could be told whether their demand to be allowed to compete has been successful.

In a strongly-worded speech to the IOC, Bach called for WADA to be subjected to a thorough review, laying bare a growing rift between Olympic chiefs and the body responsible for leading the global fight against doping.

"Recent developments have shown that we need a full review of the WADA anti-doping system," Bach said. "The IOC is calling for a more robust and efficient anti-doping system. This requires clear responsibilities, more transparency, more independence and better worldwide harmonisation."

A bombshell report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren for WADA released last month accused Russia of organising state-backed doping with the sports ministry using secret services to evade drug testers and cover-up positive tests stretching back years.

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