WADA statement on the dismissal of RUSADA’s Director General

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) acknowledges the decision taken today by the Founders of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), namely the Russian Olympic Committee and the Russian Paralympic Committee, to dismiss Yuriy Ganus from his position as RUSADA’s Director General. WADA also notes the resignations earlier this week of RUSADA’s Deputy Director General, Margarita Pakhnotskaya; and, the independent international expert member of RUSADA’s Supervisory Board, Sergey Khrychikov.

These developments reinforce the concerns expressed by WADA in its statement of 5 August in relation to the manner in which the Founders reached the decision regarding Mr. Ganus following a recommendation by RUSADA’s Supervisory Board; and, re-emphasize the critical importance for RUSADA to maintain its operational independence going forward. WADA is in contact with RUSADA and other relevant Russian authorities to get further clarifications on the latest developments; and, will update the Agency’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) accordingly.

With RUSADA’s non-compliance case pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, WADA will continue to monitor RUSADA’s developments closely. It is a critical element of the World Anti-Doping Code that National Anti-Doping Organizations, such as RUSADA, remain safe from interference in their operational decisions and activities in order to conduct their work independently and effectively. This is why the CRC, when it issued its recommendation to declare RUSADA non-compliant with the Code that was unanimously endorsed by the Agency’s Executive Committee on 9 December 2019, made it a condition of RUSADA’s reinstatement that WADA remains satisfied that RUSADA’s independence is being respected and there is no improper outside interference with its operations. The current situation will be monitored in light of this condition.