Mutko warned of new doping scandals involving Russian athletes

The Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Vitaly Mutko said that he expects new cases of detection of the banned drug meldonium in the doping samples of Russian athletes.

“Apparently, we are waiting for some kind of shock on this drug. Not everyone has come to a conclusion. […] It’s not for me to announce this, but such cases will still be to the delight of our “friends”, ”TASS quotes the minister.

According to Mutko, six months ago, the ministry warned about the inclusion of meldonium in the list of prohibited drugs "all federations, athletes, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency."

“We need to figure out what happened to Katya ( Russian figure skater Ekaterina Bobrova. -“ Meduza ” ). Masha ( Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova. - "Medusa" ), I think she will figure it out herself. But in a number of sports we will seriously understand and make rather tough decisions, ” Mutko told the R-Sport agency.

Earlier, the Ministry of Sports refused to comment on the discovery of doping in Russian athletes until the completion of investigations.

“Unfortunately, I think there will be more cases. This drug was taken, but had no significant effect on the athlete. But this is a sport of the highest achievements, labor-intensive. The athlete needs recovery,” the minister added.

TASS

• On March 7, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova announced that the doping test she passed at the Australian Open 2016 contained the drug mildronate (meldonium), which has been banned since January 1, 2016. Earlier that day, it became known that meldonium was found in a doping test of Russian figure skater Ekaterina Bobrova. Both athletes were suspended from competition pending investigations.
• Following Sharapova's announcement, sporting goods manufacturer Nike announced the suspension of a promotional contract with Sharapova pending completion of the International Tennis Federation's investigation. Later, the Tag Heuer watch company announced the non-renewal of the contract with Sharapova. Porsche has canceled all events involving the tennis player.
• In early February , it became known that meldonium was found in a doping test of Russian cyclist Eduard Vorganov. Vorganov, who plays for the international team "Katyusha", was also temporarily suspended from the competition.