WADA criticizes IOC handling of Russian doping crisis

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) vice-president Linda Helleland has criticized the "confusing" way in which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dealt with Russia "before, during and after" Pyeongchang 2018.

Helleland outlined her vision of a "strong and independent" WADA shed of the "conflicts of interest" which currently exist. 

"Clean Athletes need clarity around rules, around consequences. They deserve open and transparent hearings when vital decisions are to be made," Helleland stressed.

"Seeing it from outside, I agree with the athletes that the processes the weeks before, during and after the Winter Olympics did look confusing," Inside the Games cited her as saying.

"We have to put pressure on the sports organisations to make them understand that processes like this diminishes the credibility of the entire anti-doping community," the vice-president added.

Helleland also hit out at International Federations who have permitted athletes deemed ineligible by the IOC for Pyeongchang to continue competing at World Cup and World Championship level. 

She claimed that "many athletes, the media and the public are confused, as some athletes can compete in international competitions while the same athletes are not allowed to compete in the Olympics".