Russia: WADA report a 'political move' - ex-pole vaulter Radion Gataullin

Former European champion and ex-pole vaulter, Russia's Radion Gataullin, said that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report that alleges widespread doping among Russia's athletes, accusing officials, including Russia's Sports Minister Vitali Mutko, of systematic cover-ups, in an interview in Moscow, Thursday. Gataullin pointed out that "sport as it is now is is a conglomerate of so many ambitions," adding that in his opinion "WADA is just trying to increase its influence on sport." He also highlighted the power of money in sport, before highlighting how sport can bring people together. "The mood of the people depends on the performance of the national team," he added. Former WADA chief Dick Pound led the 11-month investigation which alleges systematic doping cover-ups in Russia and recommends that Russia's track and field athletes be suspended by the upcoming Olympic Games. Mutko, responding to the allegations, branded WADA's recommendations a "far-fetched conjecture," accusing Pound of using "unverified sources." Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an internal investigation into allegations of doping among Russia's athletes, saying "the fight against doping in sport is still relevant and needs proper attention", during at a meeting with sports leaders in Sochi on Wednesday.