Russia has accepted their “full suspension” from world athletics after it became clear that they were engulfed in widespread doping.

The question of whether they will be allowed to compete in next years Rio Olympics is unclear, but IAAF president Sebastian Coe has said that there is no time frame. Instead, Russia will be working closely with the IAAF and WADA in order to meet their requirements.

Even with no deadline on the suspension, Coe has confirmed that they will definitely miss the world indoor championships in Portland, Oregon.

Vadim Zelichenok, the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) interim president, said the federation had feared an even worse punishment if an appeal was made.

“We decided that it was better to correct the situation from the very start and as quickly as possible,” the Russia’s R-Sport news agency quoted him as saying.

“We either agree and start correcting the deficiencies — which we have already started doing — or prolong the agony and wait until we get slammed even more seriously.”

WADA’s report accused Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA of “routinely” violating international test standards and allowing athletes banned for doping to compete.

Tagged in: