MatchTV Film Seeks Balance on Russian Doping Claims

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Match TV is a Russian public sports channel, on air since November 1, 2015. The channel was created under the order of Russian president Vladimir Putin, with the assistance of the editorial office of Gazprom-Media Holding, technical assistance of ANO Sports Broadcasting (Panorama brand) and technical support of VGTRK.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - 07/18/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Leading Russian public sports TV Channel, Match TV, today will broadcast a documentary calling into question the validity of the WADA independent report, expected to be issued later today, into alleged state involvement in Russian doping in sport.

The Match TV film is a behind the scenes exposé of the process in which WADA has sought to pre-judge Russia's hundreds of elite athletes in what looks likely to be a prejudiced and biased report against the spirit of the Olympic Movement. The Match TV film seeks to redress the balance and introduce some fairness into the debate.

Tina Kandelaki, General Producer of Match TV, commented:

"The majority of Russian people and athletes are opposed to doping and support the protection of clean athletes, that is why we decided to make this film that will show our side of the story."

The film introduces the story of four Russian athletes (Ekatherina Poistogova, Alexey Lovchev, Sergey Shubenkov, Alexander Markin) whose careers and lives changed dramatically after the unilateral decision of some of sports ruling bodies. These are just four of the innocent who have fallen underneath the WADA steamroller.

Sergey Shubenkov is 2015 World Champion in men's 110m hurdles, who has never violated any doping rules; however he cannot now participate in any championships as all Russian athletes have been banned by the IAAF.

Commenting on his situation, Shubenkov said:

“By setting such tough criteria to prove testing out of Russia, the IAAF basically said 'we want to ban as many innocent Russians as possible'."

The MatchTV film also reviews the highly controversial situation over Meldonium, where WADA has had to reverse bans on scores of athletes after admitting that its own science on the drug was flawed.

Kirill Kiknadze, Match TV anchor and the creator of film’s concept, said:

"Too many other nations such as Germany, USA and UK have had their chance to comment on alleged Russian doping without having all the facts and evidence. This is our chance to right that wrong and redress the balance."

The Doping Trap premiers on Match TV June 18, at 15-00 Moscow time. Go to matchtv.ru for listings and viewing information.

Press inquiries:
Nikita Stepanov, +7 925 011 6668 nstepanov@apostol.com
Max Smetannikov, +1 917 310 3396 maxs@mvgmain.com