• Grigory Rodchenkov is former director of anti-doping lab • Unclear whether player is part of Fifa-approved squadThe Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov has admitted he recognises one of Russia’s World Cup squad from his own doping programme. The former director of Russia’s national anti-doping laboratory has claimed he was responsible for covering up positive tests and is now in witness protection in the United States. Fifa has said all tests from the World Cup will be sealed and taken to Switzerland. It has also declared Russia’s squad to be free of doping, although investigations into several players unrelated to the tournament were continuing. Rodchenkov suggested the role of agents and others whose livelihoods depended on highly-paid players made doping less likely in football.

Source: The Guardian May 31, 2018 20:15 UTC