Oleg Matytsin, the Russian Minister of Sport, welcomed the World Anti-Doping Agency’s final directive to Russia’s national anti-doping body, RUSADA, noting that the approach aligns with existing legal frameworks and international standards. He emphasized that Russian law already meets the International Convention Against Doping in Sport and that the country’s anti-doping regulations are compatible with the WADA code. He also asserted that WADA’s calls to amend federal legislation amount to direct interference in the legislative process, a practice that would be unacceptable to the agency and to Russia’s governance framework as a whole.
WADA has maintained that RUSADA’s current status remains out of harmony with the World Anti-Doping Code. The organization clarified that this designation will persist until all specified conditions are satisfied, after which restoration can be considered. The stance reflects the ongoing effort to achieve full alignment with international anti-doping standards and to restore active participation for Russian athletes in global sport under a compliant framework.
Historical context remains relevant, as the IOC’s late February 2022 advisory urged international sports federations to restrict participation by athletes from Russia and Belarus in all competitive events. The implications of this guidance have continued to shape discussions among national bodies, international federations, and athletes regarding eligibility, competition integrity, and the path toward reinstatement measures that would permit full international competition under established codes.
Earlier assessments of RUSADA’s performance highlighted areas where policy practice and Code compliance could be strengthened, with officials outlining a process that would bring the organization into line with global expectations. This ongoing evaluation focuses on governance, transparency, and the consistency of anti-doping enforcement with international norms, aiming to ensure credible oversight and equal treatment of athletes. The broader aim is to support a robust, sport-wide framework that upholds fairness and protects the integrity of competition.
In parallel, discussions continue about how national and international authorities can collaborate to resolve outstanding discrepancies, maintain rigorous testing procedures, and reinforce trust among athletes, teams, and fans. The overall objective is to establish a durable path toward full compliance, enabling Russia to participate in future events on terms that reflect adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code and the high standards expected by the international sports community.