Sport Ireland Statement following WADA decision to reinstate Russia

Statement from Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, following today’s decision by WADA to reinstate RUSADA’s compliance:

“As we said earlier this week, WADA’s own ‘Roadmap to Compliance’ is very clear. Nothing has changed; the two criteria remain outstanding.

“There are many questions arising out of today’s decision. What evidence has WADA based this decision on? Why has WADA softened its stance on two of the most important criteria in the ‘Roadmap to Compliance’? And, most critically, where does the international fight against doping in sport go from here?

“This is a watershed moment in the fight against doping in sport. Today is an extremely tough day for all of those who believe in protecting the integrity of sport. This has called the credibility of WADA and all its stands for into question.

“Anti-doping leaders must now come together and decide where we go from here. We want, and need, an anti-doping system that is fair and transparent, and free from conflicts of interests. A system that is free from manipulation and subversion. A system where the interest of clean athletes are top priority. We must remember that the most important people in all of this are the clean athletes. They deserve to know they are competing on a fair and level playing field.”