The darkest predictions for Russia have come true and the country has been banned of the big sport for four years. The Russians have been restricted from participating in international competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. Moreover, the country is denied the opportunity to host world championships.

The decision was taken by the Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and was unanimously agreed at a meeting in Lausanne. It is linked to the latest findings of the widespread doping scandal that began in 2015. Then WADA launched a large-scale state-sponsored doping scheme. Subsequently, Russia was removed from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

A year ago, WADA restored the rights of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), which has received much criticism. Then the country fulfilled the conditions, one of the most important of which was to provide the data from the Moscow laboratory. WADA reported this as a success, but later stated that the information received was probably manipulated.

Russia will not be able to use the flag, anthem and spell its name at Olympics and other sports events. Athletes who prove they are clean can participate under a neutral flag.