This story is free to read.

IOC offers full support for IAAF decision to ban Russians

FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2014, file photo, a Russian skating fan holds the country's national flag over the Olympic rings before the start of the men's 10,000-meter speedskating race at Adler Arena Skating Center during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The IAAF upheld its ban, Friday, June 17, 2016, on Russia’s track and field team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in a landmark decision that punishes the world power for systematic doping. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2014, file photo, a Russian skating fan holds the country's national flag over the Olympic rings before the start of the men's 10,000-meter speedskating race at Adler Arena Skating Center during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The IAAF upheld its ban, Friday, June 17, 2016, on Russia’s track and field team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in a landmark decision that punishes the world power for systematic doping. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

By Associated Press June 18, 2016 1 min read

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) – The IOC says it “welcomes and fully supports” the decision to ban Russia’s track and field team from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics because of widespread doping.

The IOC says it “fully respects” Friday’s ruling by the IAAF to maintain its suspension of the Russians.

The IOC says “the eligibility of athletes in any international competition including the Olympic Games is a matter for the respective international federation.”

The IOC says it will “initiate further far-reaching measures in order to ensure a level playing field” for all athletes competing in Rio.

The statement was issued after a teleconference meeting of the IOC executive board and came ahead of a summit of sports leaders in Lausanne on Tuesday.

The statement appeared to rule out any chance of the IOC seeking to amend the IAAF decision.