Russian Sports Minister slams IAAF for punishing 'The Innocent'

Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko on Friday slammed the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for upholding a ban on Russian athletes from competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

    "We are disappointed. From our point of view, we have made a big work. But, you see, unfortunately, people who worked honestly were not protected by the Federation [IAAF] itself, which must do that. The innocent were punished for those who are guilty. Hopefully, the International Olympic Committee will be able to somehow adjust that," Mutko told RIA Novosti.

    Russian woman pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, the holder of two Olympic titles, echoed Mutko's comments, saying that the IAAF decision is an act of discrimination against Russian athletes on the account of nationality. "I am very disappointed and angry at the same time. I feel it's an insult to me and the team of 'clean' athletes who have remained on the sidelines. Nobody was protecting us. Nobody was safeguarding our rights. The IAAF itself and its intention to protect the right of clean athletes arouses big doubts," Isinbayeva said. "We are accused of something we have never done. I believe that this is first and foremost an act of discrimination against Russians on the account of nationality."

Source: QNA