The chaos going in Russian continues unabated.

From Inside the Games

The World Anti-Doping Agency has said it is “extremely concerned” after the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) Supervisory Board recommended the sacking of director general Yuri Ganus.

The Supervisory Board today voted in favour of recommending Ganus be removed from the role after an audit revealed a “number of significant irregularities in the financial and economic activities” of the organisation.

The final decision on Ganus’ position rests with the founders of RUSADA – the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC).

Ganus, appointed director general in 2017, told insidethegames his removal could have consequences for RUSADA in its case against WADA before it is heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in November.

WADA being satisfied RUSADA’s that independence is respected and there is no improper outside interference with its operations is among the conditions the Russian agency must meet if it is to be reinstated.

In a statement, WADA said it would “seek further clarification from the Russian authorities and consider any other steps that may be required” after discussing the matter with the Compliance Review Committee.

Today’s vote was triggered by the audit commissioned by the ROC and the RPC, conducted after a user on the instant messaging platform Telegram accused Ganus of a “conflict of interest and corruption”, but Supervisory Board chairman Alexander Ivlev said a “number of violations that were identified in the framework of corporate procedures” were also considered.

WADA said it had previously raised concerns over potential interference in RUSADA’s operations and sought to clarify “how and why this audit was carried out” in a letter to Ivlev last month.

The global watchdog claimed the response it received did not answer its questions and its concerns “were not allayed”.

“Today’s recommendation has presented further very important questions as to the validity of the legal process that has been followed and the motives behind the recommendation,” WADA said.

“Accordingly, WADA has written again to Mr. Ivlev seeking a detailed explanation and requesting a copy of the official recommendation.”

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