Tensions over the Russian doping scandal "broke out into the open again on Wednesday as Olympic officials blasted the World Anti-Doping Agency and an influential powerbroker called for a 'neutral' leader to take over the body from Craig Reedie," according to Stephen Wilson of the AP. WADA "came under sharp attack" from delegates at the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees, "particularly over the agency's handling of the allegations of state-sponsored Russian doping that overshadowed the buildup to the" Rio de Janeiro Games. In an "unexpected development," ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said "reforms of the anti-doping agency will be difficult 'unless we will have a neutral chair for the next three years.'" The move came just four days before Reedie, an IOC member from Britain, is "scheduled to be renewed as WADA president for a second three-year term at agency meetings in Glasgow, Scotland." Reedie and conference delegates "seemed caught off guard" by Sheikh Ahmad's comments. Reedie said, "I found the sheikh quite difficult to understand. I wasn't sure exactly what he said." Sheikh Ahmad also suggested the Montreal-based WADA "could move" to Geneva, Switzerland (AP, 11/16).
