The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) has confirmed the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to ban the whole Russia Paralympic team from Rio 2016.
CAS dismissed the appeal by the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) to overturn the ban which was made on August 7th. The Russian team were suspended from the Paralympic movement due to their "inability to fulfil its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code (to which it is also a signatory)."
At London 2012, Russia finished in second place in the medal table with 36 golds, 38 silvers and 28 bronze medals. Two years later at the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games, the hosts dominated the medal table winning 30 golds from a possible 72.
In giving their reasons for dismissing the Russian appeal, CAS confirmed that the IPC did not violate any rules, which could allow the Russian team back into the Games.
BREAKING: The CAS dismiss appeal by the Russian Paralympic Committee and confirm the IPC’s decision to suspend: https://t.co/DayFWkOQXW
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) August 23, 2016
"The CAS Panel in charge of this matter found that the IPC did not violate any procedural rule in dealing with the disciplinary process leading to the RPC’s suspension and that the decision to ban the RPC was made in accordance with the IPC Rules and was proportionate in the circumstances. The Panel also noted that the RPC did not file any evidence contradicting the facts on which the IPC decision was based."
IPC President Philip Craven admitted he was pleased with the decision of CAS, but has sympathy for the Russian athletes who will not be allowed compete in Brazil.
“Although we are pleased with the decision, it is not a day for celebration and we have enormous sympathy for the Russian athletes who will now miss out on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. It is a sad day for the Paralympic Movement, but we hope also a new beginning. We hope this decision acts as a catalyst for change in Russia and we can welcome the Russian Paralympic Committee back as a member safe in the knowledge that it is fulfilling its obligations to ensure fair competition for all.
The Paralympic Games begin with the Opening Ceremony in the Maracana Stadium on September 7th
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