Particular attention will be paid to the Russian national football team regarding doping during the European Championship in France, the UEFA head of medical and anti-doping Marc Vouillamoz said Tuesday, the TASS news agency reported.
“Of course, we are aware of the problems that Russia has regarding the issue of doping … we are paying special attention to the Russian team," Vouillamoz said at a press conference.
Tournament play begins on June 10, in 10 host cities throughout France. The Russia squad will play England on Saturday, June 11 — they are in Group B, along with Wales and Slovakia.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has been working closely with British Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) to monitor the Russian program, Vouillamoz said, TASS reported.
Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA signed an agreement with UKAD on Feb. 1, outlining cooperation with drug-testing programs in Russia until RUSADA returns to its former status.
On Nov. 9, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accused the Russian Sports Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB) of "meddling" in the work of the WADA-accredited anti-doping lab based in Moscow.
Russia's athletics federation was also provisionally banned from international competition by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) following accusations of "state-sponsored doping" by a WADA independent commission report.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
