Russia on Friday formally contested its ban from major sporting events over doping violations, the head of its RUSADA anti-doping agency said.
"In accordance with the established procedure, today we have sent a package of documents to WADA," RUSADA director general Yury
"The package contains a notice about a disagreement with WADA sanctions."
"I regret to inform you that all my
WADA this month banned Russia for four years from major global events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, over manipulated doping data.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the sanctions politically motivated, indicating a lengthy legal battle loomed.
He argued that the majority of Russian athletes were clean and should not be deprived of the right to compete under the Russian flag due to the actions of some individuals.
Speaking to AFP,
"This is not our decision," he stressed.