MONACO - Athletics' governing body the IAAF has welcomed sports court CAS's rejection of Russia's doping appeal, declaring Thursday's ruling "has created a level playing field for athletes".
The IAAF, athletics' governing body, suspended all Russian track and field competitors after an inquiry found widespread "state-sponsored" doping
The Court of Arbitration for Sport's verdict barred 67 Russian athletes from competing at the Olympic Games starting on August 5.
"The CAS award upholds the rights of the IAAF to use its rules for the protection of the sport, to protect clean athletes and support the credibility and integrity of competition," the IAAF statement read.
IAAF president Sebastian Coe cautioned that while he welcomed the verdict, "this is not a day for triumphant statements".