Russian sports head Mutko at risk from doping scandal ByAssociated Press Published: 14:13 EST, 18 July 2016 | Updated: 14:13 EST, 18 July 2016 e-mail GENEVA (AP) — The fallout of Russia's state-backed cheating at the Sochi Olympics could add pressure on Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, who also is its top official at FIFA and head of the local organizing committee for the 2018 World Cup.His status was OSRS gold unclear Monday after Russian President Vladimir.
Putin said all officials directly implicated in a World Anti-Doping Agency inquiry report will be suspended.The alleged conspiracy to ensure doped Russian athletes helped their nation win the most medals at the 2014 Winter Games could lead to Mutko being removed from the next big sports showcase in Russia, the World Cup. FILE - In this Dec. 25, 2015 file photo Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko gestures during a news conference in Moscow
Russia. On Monday, July 18, 2016 WADA investigator Richard McLaren confirmed claims of state-run doping in Russia. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)The WADA inquiry published Monday confirmed claims widespread doping across Russian summer and winter sports was tied to the government ministry headed by Mutko.Mutko personally intervened to cover up a doping case of "at least one foreign (soccer player) in the Russian League," according to email evidence obtained by the inquiry, led by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren.
The report alleged an additional 11 positive tests of Russian soccer players were made to disappear in the state-sponsored doping program from late 2011 to 2015.WADA's executive board called on FIFA's independent ethics court to act against Mutko, who has been a member of the scandal-scarred soccer body's ruling panel since 2009.Among seven key demands, WADA leaders urged: "The cheap RS gold ethics committee to look into allegations concerning football (soccer) and the role played by a member of its executive committee, Minister Vitaly Mutko."FIFA made no mention of Mutko in its own statement about the McLaren report and said it will ask WADA to share information about alleged cover-ups of doping in Russian soccer. FIFA said it will "take the appropriate next steps" based on feedback it gets.