The International Olympic Committee has delayed a decision on whether to ban Russia from next month’s Rio Games over accusations of doping.<br /><br /> The IOC said on Tuesday it will explore its legal options and wait for a ruling, due Thursday, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning Russia’s track and field athletes, already banned from the Rio Games.<br /><br /> The IOC did however take a series of interim measures.<br /><br /> It said the Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko will not be allowed to attend the Rio Games, along with other officials said to be involved in a state-run doping programme.<br /><br /> The IOC also said it will not organise or back any sports event in Russia, including the European Games scheduled for 2019.<br /><br /> Last but not least, it plans to re-test all Russians who competed at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.<br /><br /> IOC delays decision on banning Russia from Rio Olympics https://t.co/CDOAHqopNn pic.twitter.com/9×9OXnDrqu— Reuters UK (@ReutersUK) July 19, 2016<br /><br /> The Mc Laren report published this week detailed widespread doping among Russian sportsmen and women that was covered up at the highest level.<br /><br /> It laid out how athletes’ urine samples were swapped with clean ones, particularly during the Sochi Games, in Russia.<br /><br /> Moscow denies such a doping scheme existed, but it has suspended several senior sports officials mentioned in the report.<br />
