Mutko Slams IAAF for Punishing Innocent, Inability to Protect Athletes

Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko slammed the IAAF for punishing the innocent after the organization did not lift its suspension of Russian athletes on Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko slammed the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for punishing the innocent and inability to protect athletes who worked honestly after the organization did not lift suspension of Russian athletes on Friday.

"We are disappointed. From our point of view, we have made a big work. But, you see, unfortunately, people who worked honestly were not protected by the Federation [IAAF] itself, which must do that. The innocent were punished for those who are guilty. Hopefully, the International Olympic Committee will be able to somehow adjust that," Mutko told RIA Novosti.

The IAAF did not lift the ban on Russian athletes ahead of 2016 RIO Olympics during its meeting on Friday.

In December 2014, German ARD channel released a film titled "The Doping Secret: How Russia Creates Champions" on alleged doping abuse and corruption in Russian sports. The film was followed up by documentaries with further allegations.

Following the release of the film, WADA launched an investigation into the allegations of doping abuse in Russian sports. In November 2015, WADA's Independent Commission issued a report accusing Russia of numerous breaches of global anti-doping regulations. The IAAF temporarily suspended the Russian Athletic Federation's membership as a result.