WADA could back total Russia ban

WADA may consider backing a total ban on Russian competitors at the Rio 2016 Olympics, according to president Craig Reedie.

Russian track and field athletes are already set to miss out on the event in Brazil, with the IAAF having announced on Friday that the European nation had "not met the reinstatement conditions" to have their ban lifted.

It was a decision backed by WADA and the global anti-doping body could be in favour of further punishment if an investigation conducted by professor Richard McLaren - a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport - yields further evidence of state-sponsored doping at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

"In the coming weeks, we will learn the outcome of our independent McLaren investigation," said Reedie at a WADA conference hosted at Lord's cricket ground on Monday.

"If his report indicates transgressions of any kind, then there will be a precedent-setting opportunity to demonstrate our collective commitment to cleaning up sport. The world will be watching."

On the subject of a complete ban on Russians taking part in this year's Games, which begin on August 5, Reedie added: "I think [former WADA president] Dick [Pound] called that the 'nuclear option'.

"I can't answer that question because I don't have full information and I await to see what happens at the Olympic summit [in Lausanne] tomorrow, when those authorities who do have that power to make those decisions will presumably be discussing them.

"WADA does not have the power to determine which sports do what. If McLaren produces detailed corroborative evidence that goes beyond athletics, we are concerned...we will respond firmly and effectively."

Professor McLaren's report is set to be delivered to Reedie by July 15 and will be published within five days of receipt.