Leading anti-doping agency recommends Russia receive 4-year ban from global sports

Russia may be banned from competing in several global sporting events — including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar for four years as punishment for violating doping rules through a massive cheating program.

British lawyer Johnathan Taylor led a World Anti-Doping Agency committee that recommended the punishment, and the WADA's board is expected to concur with the suggestion upon release of its final ruling on Dec. 9, per The New York Times. The decision would be subject to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Individual Russian athletes with clean doping records would be able to participate in the events, but they would have to wear neutral colors and collect their medals without the Russian anthem playing and flag flying overhead. Those guidelines are similar to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

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But the WADA's potential punishment would be harsher than what Russia's experienced in the past if it ultimately stands. Any governing bodies that have signed WADA's code would be affected, including FIFA, which could prevent the Russian men's national soccer team from competing in the 2022 World Cup. Russian government officials wouldn't be allowed to attend any international sporting events, either, and the country would be barred from hosting and bidding to host any events. The latter punishment means the ban could continue to face consequences beyond just the four years on the docket. Read more at The New York Times.