Russia accept full suspension from athletics over doping: IAAF

A view shows a plaque at the IAAF (The International Association of Athletics Federations) headquarters in Monaco November 4, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS -- Russia have accepted the full suspension from athletics over widespread doping without requesting a hearing, announced the sport's world governing body IAAF after Thursday's council meeting in Monaco.

Two weeks ago, the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) received the most severe punishment ever handed out by IAAF, to be suspended from all international competitions after the revelations by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) earlier this month.

Under the suspension, all Russian athletes and support staff will be forbidden to participate in any international events including World Athletics Series competitions and the Olympic Games.

"Council was informed that written confirmation had been received from ARAF accepting their full suspension without requesting a hearing as was their constitutional right," read a statement by IAAF on Thursday after its council meeting chaired by president Sebastian Coe.

"ARAF confirmed they understood that Council would only accept their reinstatement as an IAAF Member Federation following the recommendation of the IAAF Inspection Team who will decide if the verification criteria have been fulfilled.