Following an invitation by IOC President Thomas Bach to the “Independent Person” (IP), Professor Richard McLaren, and to the President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Sir Craig Reedie, a very constructive and fruitful meeting with frank discussions was held today at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne. The three participants discussed the strategy to move forward in the follow-up of the IP Report with regard to sanctioning and to a more independent, robust and efficient anti-doping system.

The IOC and WADA expressed their appreciation for the work done by Professor McLaren, which revealed a systematic manipulation of the anti-doping system in Russia.

The three agreed to strengthen the cooperation between the IOC, WADA and Professor McLaren. Only full cooperation would allow them to properly follow up on Professor McLaren’s report and its findings.

With regard to sanctioning the individual athletes having taken part in the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, all Russian samples are under investigation by the Oswald Commission for manipulation or doping.

With regard to all the other Russian athletes who may have benefited from the Russian system, it is the sole responsibility of the respective International Federation to take the appropriate action.

To address the systematic manipulation of the anti-doping system in Russia as revealed by Prof. McLaren, the respective Disciplinary Commission chaired by the former President of Switzerland, Mr Samuel Schmid, is following up his findings as necessary.

President Bach informed the meeting of the 12 principles for a more independent, robust and efficient anti-doping system which were adopted by the IOC Executive Board. These principles require that WADA and the testing system must be equally independent from both sports organisations and from national interests. Sir Craig noted that work on the principles was already being undertaken.

“This was a very constructive and fruitful meeting. Following frank discussions, we are fully aligned in our determination to a close cooperation in the fight against doping. Our common goal is to do everything possible to protect the clean athletes so that such a systematic manipulation of the anti-doping system can never happen again,” President Bach, Prof. McLaren and Sir Craig Reedie concluded.

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