FINA hits back at experts’ departure on Russian Olympic case
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — After three top anti-doping advisers to FINA resigned in protest at their advice on Russian cases being ignored ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the world swimming body has expressed surprise at their walkout.
FINA responded in a statement Sunday that it “obviously regrets” the resignations by Doping Control Review Board chairman Andrew Pipe of Canada, and two others from the eight-member panel.
Though FINA had barred seven Russian swimmers for past positive tests or links to state-backed doping, they were allowed to compete in Rio.
Responsibility for those decisions ultimately lay with the IOC and Court of Arbitration for Sport, FINA said.