IAAF to receive 67 applications from Russian athletes for Rio exemption
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 25/06/16 5:06pm
Russia's sports minister Vitaly Mutko says "up to 67 athletes" will apply to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for an exemption to compete at Rio 2016.
The country's track and field athletes are banned from competing in Rio de Janeiro in August over allegations of widespread doping in the country.
Since the ban was upheld last week, the IAAF has confirmed the availability of exemptions for athletes who can prove they have been the subject of reliable drug-testing outside Russia.
Mutko told Russia's Match TV on Saturday that the 67 athletes would submit "individual applications" to the IAAF but were also prepared to file lawsuits at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
And his future in government could depend on the result of the appeals, as Mutko said: "It will be a huge failure for me if the entire Russian team is excluded. I'm ready to assume my responsibilities and resign."
Women's pole vault great Yelena Isinbayeva is among the athletes who previously stated she would be taking her case to CAS as the ban "discriminates against her human rights".
There is, as yet, no indication to any of the names involved or whether they are athletes who are based abroad, the main target of the IAAF exemption.
The IAAF stated earlier in the week that Russian athletes who are granted permission to participate in the Olympics would do so as neutrals, but the International Olympic Committee since confirmed they can compete under their own flag.
