So far only Sebastian Coe, the head of the IAAF (track and field’s governing body), has had the balls to ban Russia from all competitions until the country cleans up its widespread doping scandals.
It’s obvious Russia doesn’t give a stuff about being proven drug cheats.
As of the start of this month, there are 18 Russian athletes who have late-tested positive after the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and have been ordered to hand back their medals.
How many of the 18 Russians have done so?
None.
What is the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) doing about compliance?
Nothing.
What does the ROC intend to do in the future?
Nothing.
And what is the IOC doing?
Nothing.
The key to Russia’s future in sport in President Vladimir Putin.
His close friendship with disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was instrumental in Russia winning the bid to host the 2020 World Cup.
Like anything associated with Blatter, that decision didn’t pass the smell test. To this day it stinks as high as Russia’s widespread doping at both the summer and winter Games.
Russia hosted the 2014 winter Olympics at Sochi for the first time, their 33 medals a record. But 15 of those 33 tested positive, are there no limits to Russia’s cheating?
That’s not all.
It’s no secret IOC boss Thomas Bach and Putin are mates. And there are plenty of other senior IOC officials who are very friendly with Putin as well.
These friendships are the reason Putin has the gall to start putting together a bid for the 2028 Olympics for either St Petersburg, Kazan, or Sochi.
Russia should be banned from all major sports for four years, and during that period of isolation prove they can behave, or face another four years.
Now Blatter has been banned for six years, FIFA would have to give Russia’s suspension serious consideration. It’s a damn shame it’s too late to strip next year’s World Cup from them – that would have been the perfect starting point for their punishment.
When swimming’s FINA, World Rugby, and tennis governing bodies the ATP and WTA join the IAAF suspension, Russia would lose so much face in the eyes of the world it would be humiliating.
And Russia’s pride, mixed with arrogance, would never be able to handle that.
So, major sport, give Russia a major lesson, or spend the rest of your lives watching them give you the upraised middle-finger salute in contempt.
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