Russia formally objects to anti-doping sports ban

MOSCOW

Russia’s top Olympic officials on Tuesday formally objected to a doping watchdog banning Russia from international sporting events.

The Russian Olympic Committee’s (ROC) formal notification will be send to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) by Dec. 30, ROC head Stanislav Pozdnyakov told reporters in Moscow.

Russia's move means the agency will have to file a suit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency to justify its decision, he said.

The committee will take part in the proceedings as the third party, whose interests can be impinged by the anti-doping agency, Pozdnyakov said.

On Dec. 9 the agency announced its decision to ban Russia from major international competitions for four years.

Russian athletes will be able to compete under a neutral flag, but the country's officials and representatives will be barred from participation.

The agency also prohibited Russia from hosting and bidding to host major events during the same period.