Russia's doping scandal casts shadow on World Cup draw

Russia's doping scandal has cast a shadow on the 2018 World Cup draw, set for Friday.

Reporters peppered FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the Russian federation chairman Vitaly Mutko with questions during a press conference before the World Cup draw, reports Efe.

"I'm happy to go to any court, to any disciplinary committee to anyone and I'll be happy to talk about how there has never been and will never be any state programmes related to doping in this country," Mutko said.

Mutko criticized media outlets such as the New York Times, which he regarded as a mouthpiece for the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Mutko also condemned reports about a total ban to be imposed on Russia from taking part in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, scheduled to be held in the South Korean city of Pyeongchang.

Infantino, meanwhile, confirmed the scandal would not have any impact on the World Cup.

He added that FIFA oversees more doping controls than any other sporting organization.

--IANS

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