An AFP sources has revealed on Wednesday that Russia has paid the $15 million it was fined in December when it was suspended by the International Olympic Committee for mass doping.
“The fine has been paid,” the source said.
The settlement of the fine by the Russian Olympic Committee was a major contributing factor in the IOC’s key decision on whether to lift Russia’s suspension before the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday.
Russia was barred from the Olympics on the 5th of December by the IOC after reports of there being a grand scale system of doping at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where Russia the host’s were top of the medals table.
A team of 168 Russian athletes deemed to have proved they are “clean” have been allowed to compete in Pyeongchang under the banner Olympic Athletes from Russia.
However, Russia did have a positive drugs test for curling bronze medallist Alexander Krushelnitsky one of the extensively screened competitors.
His case is set for a s special session of the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday.
Krushelnitsky, who tested positive for the endurance booster meldonium, has denied knowingly taking the substance and says he is in “shock” at the result.