MOSCOW (AP) " The Russian sports minister says "up to 67 athletes" have applied to track and field's world governing body to be exempted from the ban on the Russian team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The IAAF is unlikely to approve most of the 67 athletes, since it has previously indicated the exemption is aimed at a small minority of athletes based abroad. The IAAF favors a "neutral" designation; the IOC says the Russian flag would be used. Mutko added that he was "prepared to take full responsibility," though "it's not me who encourages athletes to dope." Mutko could resign if Russia's entire track and field team is banned from the games.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 25, 2016 13:30 UTC