Russia has been provisionally suspended from world athletics following a vote by members of the sport’s governing body.
The decision will keep it out of international competition for an indefinite period – possibly including next year’s Olympics in Brazil.
The suspension was approved by a 22-1 vote during a teleconference of the 27-member council of the IAAF.
IAAF President Sebastian Coe called the meeting after Russia was accused of widespread, systematic doping in a report released Monday by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) commission.
“The message could not be stronger,” said IAAF president Lord Sebastian Coe after the announcement. “It is entirely up to Russia to make changes.”
Russia will have to show compliance with WADA doping regulations to return to competition. Track and Olympics officials have said they believe Russia could meet these conditions in time to compete in Rio in August.
