Interview: Russian refusal to admit doping could block Olympic path - WADA

FILE PHOTO: Olivier Niggli, Director General of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) addresses the WADA Symposium in Ecublens, Switzerland, March 13, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

(Reuters) - Russia's refusal to accept responsibility for widespread state-sponsored doping uncovered in the McLaren report could prevent its competitors taking part in the 2018 Winter Olympics, WADA director general Olivier Niggli said on Friday.

One of the 19 conditions the World Anti-Doping Agency laid out in a 'Roadmap to Compliance' requires the authorities responsible for Russia’s anti-doping program, including the Ministry of Sport and National Olympic Committee, to publicly accept the findings of the McLaren investigation.