“European Athletics has taken note of the decision by the IAAF Ethics Board to hand down a life ban today to, among others, Valentin Balakhnichev, former President of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF).”
(Papa Massata Diack, former marketing consultant to the IAAF, and Alexei Melnikov, former Chief ARAF Coach for long distance walkers and runners, have also received life bans. Gabriel Dollé, former Director of the IAAF’s Anti-Doping Department, has been handed a five-year ban.)
“We are angered by the betrayal of our sport by these individuals. As an immediate action I am today writing to our Council to request its approval for a proposal to the next Congress to strip Mr. Balakhnichev of the title of Honorary Council member of European Athletics.”
“In the meantime, as an extraordinary measure, if the Council approves we will suspend Mr. Balakhnichev’s honorary membership.”
“We will now take our time to read and digest the full report and will make further statements if necessary.”
[…] “European Athletics has taken note of the decision by the IAAF Ethics Board to hand down a life ban today to, among others, Valentin Balakhnichev, former President of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF).” (Papa Massata Diack, former marketing consultant to the IAAF, and Alexei Melnikov, former Chief ARAF Coach for long distance walkers and runners, […] Doping – Time-to-Run Europe […]