UK Anti-Doping poised to oversee suspended Russia’s drug-testing operations

The UK Anti-doping Agency (UKAD) is being lined up to oversee Russia’s drug-testing operations while its own anti-doping agency (RUSADA) remains suspended.

A statement made by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) director general, David Howman, revealed that “contractual discussions” with UKAD are still ongoing, but the body will carry out “targeted and intelligence-led testing” in the nation once agreed.

Last November, Wada produced a report which found RUSADA non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code. As a consequence the agency was suspended, and a month later WADA, UKAD and RUSADA met in Moscow, alongside the Russian Ministry of Sport, to “explore the ways and means that an effective anti-doping programme could run during RUSADA’s non-compliance with the Code”.

“WADA appreciates UKAD’s willingness to assist the Agency, RUSADA and other stakeholders in establishing the necessary testing programme in Russia during this period of non-compliance,” said Howman. “It is essential that a quality testing programme is in place for Russian athletes throughout RUSADA’s period of non-compliance – clean athletes of the world, and indeed the public at-large, expect no less.”

He added that there was “much work to be done” to make the RUSADA compliant again. WADA is working with the agency in an effort to regain Code compliance.

Separately, culture secretary John Whittingdale has appointed three new board members to UKAD. Double Paralympian and Disability Sport Wales chair Pippa Britton, Trevor Pearce CBE and Olympic bronze medallist Sarah Winckless have all been appointed for the three years from March 2016.