MOSCOW: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wants three outside experts to oversee the cleanup of Russia’s anti-doping system.

A WADA report in November accused Russia of operating a state-sponsored doping program in track and field and also led to the national anti-doping agency RUSADA being stopped from carrying out tests, following accusations that it covered up drug use by Russian athletes.

As RUSADA tries to earn back its right to run Russia’s anti-doping operation, WADA announced on Wednesday that it will appoint two “international experts” to oversee the process and wants a third to sit on RUSADA’s board.

“There is much work to be done if RUSADA is to become compliant again,” WADA director general David Howman said in a statement.

“By appointing independent international experts, WADA will be able to monitor the situation and determine when requirements will have been met that will protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide and help re-establish public confidence in the Russian anti-doping programme.”

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2016