Russian bill on tough anti-doping sanctions passed by parliament

A bill prescribing tough punishments for coaches who coerce athletes into doping has been passed by the lower house of Russia's parliament.

It comes after a massive doping scandal that led to Russia's track-and-field team being banned from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Coaches, sports medicine specialists and fitness trainers could now face fines of up to 300,000 roubles (£3,800) and up to a year in prison if they are found guilty of coercing young athletes into using performance-enhancing substances.

Forcing athletes to use illegal substances without their consent carries the penalty of a 1m rouble fine and a two-year prison sentence.

Alexander Zhukov, president of the Russian Olympic Committee, was quoted as saying by Associated Press that the bill confirms Moscow's stance against doping "especially toward coaches who coerce underage athletes to use banned substances".

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) is due to release the second part of its report on its investigation of state-backed doping in Russia in December.