The Olympic flag flies next to the Russian flag

Russia has accepted a full, indefinite suspension from all athletics competitions following a report which highlighted major problems with the country's anti-doping procedures, world athletics' governing body the IAAF has announced.

The IAAF, world athletics' governing body, confirmed the full suspension after a council meeting in Monaco and that the Russian federation (ARAF) had not requested a hearing.

An IAAF statement said: "IAAF Council was today informed that written confirmation had been received yesterday from ARAF accepting their full suspension without requesting a hearing as was their constitutional right.

"ARAF confirmed they understood that council would only accept their reinstatement as an IAAF member following the recommendation of the IAAF inspection team who will decide if the verification criteria have been fulfilled. ARAF confirmed they will co-operate fully and actively with the team."

More to follow...

Online Editors