IAAF says Russia accepts ban, will cooperate with inspectors

MONACO (AP) — The IAAF says Russia’s federation fully accepts its suspension from track and field over its systematic doping culture.

The IAAF council voted on Nov. 13 to suspend Russia’s federation — ARAF — after a “deeply rooted culture of cheating” was identified by a World Anti-Doping Agency commission.

Russia was told by the IAAF to ban athletes, doctors, coaches and others who doped or were complicit in it and implement reforms, including encouraging whistleblowing.

The IAAF says its council was informed on Thursday that “written confirmation had been received … from ARAF accepting their full suspension without requesting a hearing.”

An IAAF statement adds that the Russians “will cooperate fully and actively” with inspectors who will rule on whether they can be reinstated to the governing body.