Russia’s reinstatement by WADA called “greatest treachery against clean athletes in Olympic history”

Lawyer for Russian doping whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov: 'WADA's decision to reinstate Russia represents the greatest treachery against clean athletes in Olympic history.' Full statement: pic.twitter.com/Yh9rbRfPzp

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) September 20, 2018

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has voted to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) in a meeting in the Seychelles on Thursday morning. 

The CBC reports that Jim Walden, lawyer for Russian Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov said this morning, “WADA’s decision to reinstate Russia represents the greatest treachery against clean athletes in Olympic history.”

RELATED: Russia’s anti-doping agency recommended for reinstatement

WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie: “Today, the great majority of WADA’s ExCo decided to reinstate RUSADA as compliant with the Code subject to strict conditions, upon recommendation by the Agency’s independent CRC and in accordance with an agreed process. (1/2)

— WADA (@wada_ama) September 20, 2018

The vote was nine to two in favour of reinstatement, with one abstention. This ends Russia’s three-year ban for suspected state-sponsored doping. The reinstatement follows a WADA key review committee recommendation that the Russian anti-doping agency be reconsidered. 

“This decision provides a clear timeline by which WADA must be given access to the former Moscow laboratory data and samples with a clear commitment by the ExCo that should this timeline not be met, it would support the CRC’s recommendation to reinstate non-compliance.” (2/2)

— WADA (@wada_ama) September 20, 2018

Prior to the Thursday morning decision, many athletes, officials, and sporting organizations expressed their concern about reinstating RUSADA. Canadian race walker Evan Dunfee took to Twitter, expressing his concerns about the reinstatement. 

https://twitter.com/EvanDunfee/status/1042139295803355136

Canadian Olympic gold medallist Beckie Scott reportedly resigned from the WADA Compliance Review Committee. The CBC says that Scott will remain the chair of WADA’s athlete committee. 

Canada's Olympic athlete's commission stands with @usocaac @ukantidoping @EthicsInSPORT and the many others who implore @wada_ama to stay the course in defense of clean sport. Follow your Road map as it was originally set.#NoUTurnWADA pic.twitter.com/VMBT9sKZ0Q

— Athletes' Commission (@TeamCanadaAC) September 20, 2018

Dunfee and Scott are joined by the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport (CCES) in expressing their concern. The Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission wrote to the WADA president, “We strongly urge you and the WADA Executive Committee to vote against the recommendation of the Compliance Review Committee to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency.”

According to the BBC, WADA President Craig Reedie says the reinstatement is, “subject to strict conditions.” He continues, “This decision provides a clear timeline by which WADA must be given access to the former Moscow laboratory data and samples.”