British agency to run Russian drug-testing during suspension

The World Anti-Doping Agency says a deal has been signed for British officials to take temporary charge of drug-testing in Russia.

The Russian anti-doping agency, RUSADA, was suspended in November following accusations it covered up doping by Russian athletes.

Russia has vowed to implement reforms but it has taken three months to arrange a new testing system.

WADA says the UK Anti-Doping agency will work with RUSADA to ensure that "targeted and intelligence-led testing is carried out on Russian athletes."

Test results will be managed by a "designated independent body, with full oversight by WADA."

The testing program covers all sports, not just track and field, where doping in Russia has come under particular scrutiny.

Even if Russia's ban from global track and field is lifted ahead of this year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, no Russian athlete will be allowed to compete internationally without having been tested at least three times.

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