Suspended Rio lab fate hinges on inspection verdict

PARIS: Rio de Janeiro's suspended anti-doping laboratory will learn whether it has been reinstated in the next seven days, the World Anti-Doping Agency told AFP on Monday.
Brazil's doping control centre was suspended on June 24, meaning samples from the Olympic Games starting on August 5 will have to be sent to other WADA-accredited labs around the world.
The lab's fate hinges on the verdict of an official investigation, WADA's director general Olivier Niggli said.
"A scientific audit was carried out last week and an independent disciplinary commission will meet next week.
"Its recommendation will be relayed at the end of the week, or at the beginning of next week," Niggli said, stressing the proximity of the Rio Games had no bearing on the process.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and WADA are battling doping on multiple fronts in a bid to convince an increasingly sceptical public that Rio will be free and fair.
The Rio lab's suspension was imposed due to a non-conformity with the International Standard for Laboratories. — AFP