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Meldonium banned by World Anti-Doping Agency

Russian Sports Minister to Discuss Meldonium Issue April 5

© Sputnik / Pavel Lisitsyn

12:32 GMT 02.04.2016(updated 12:37 GMT 02.04.2016) Get short URL

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https://sputniknews.com/sport/201604021037377612-russian-sports-minister-meldonium/

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said Saturday he would meet with the heads of sports federations on April 5 to discuss the issue of meldonium.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The minister's statement comes amid a series of cases of Russian athletes testing positive for meldonium, which has been prohibited since January 1 by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

"On Tuesday, I will gather once again all federation presidents and we'll discuss all our matters one more time," Mutko told R-Sport.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov

© Sputnik / Alexei Nikolsky

Kremlin Urges 'Utmost Care' Investigating Sports Meldonium Scandal

Meldonium is a Latvian-made anti-ischemic drug that is used in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to treat heart conditions. It is also suspected of being used in order to enhance an athlete's performance.

The Russian Sports Ministry is glad that WADA is not rushing to make decisions regarding athletes who have tested positive for meldonium, Mutko said.

"WADA has officially said it has not studied how [meldonium] is removed [from organism]. We are glad that they are not making any rushed decisions regarding all these cases," Mutko said.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko gives a press conference on November 30, 2010 in Zurich before his country's 2018 World Cup bid to world football's ruling body FIFA

© AFP 2020 / FABRICE COFFRINI

Several Russian Athletes May Be Disqualified Over Meldonium Use

In March, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova admitted to having tested positive for the drug. Her statement was followed by more cases of Russian athletes found taking meldonium.

Some 30 Russian athletes have tested positive for the drug so far, which, according to Mutko, is on par with athletes in other countries.

Related:: Two Russia Sambo Federation Members Test Positive for Meldonium

: Russian Athletes Testing Positive for Meldonium on Par With Others

: Kremlin Urges 'Utmost Care' Investigating Sports Meldonium Scandal

Tags:

meldonium, Vitaly Mutko, Russia

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