Russia is banned from joining major and international sporting competition in the next four years following decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The WADA found Russia non-compliant with its doping policy.
The agency also suggested several sanctions because of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency’s (RUSADA) failure to cooperate in investigations.
CNN reported that WADA’s executive committee decided to uphold the recommendations at a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The RUSADA has been given 21 days to appeal the decision or challenge it before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
If the decision will be upheld, Russia will no longer be able to compete in the Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“For too long, Russian doping has detracted from clean sport,” WASA said in a statement.
“The blatant breach by the Russian authorities of RUSADA’s reinstatement conditions, approved by the ExCo in September 2018, demanded a robust response. That is exactly what has been delivered today,” WASA added.
