Russian Olympic Committee banned from 2018 Olympics amid doping scandal

The Russian Olympic Committee has been banned from the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea for "the systemic manipulation of the anti-doping rules and system" during the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, the IOC announced Tuesday.

"This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and sport. The IOC EB, after following due process, has issued proportional sanctions for this systemic manipulation while protecting the clean athletes," IOC president Thomas Bach said in a release. "This should draw a line under this damaging episode and serve as a catalyst for a more effective anti-doping system led by WADA."

As a result of the ban, individual athletes will be allowed to participate under a neutral flag after undergoing all anti-doping tests and meeting the necessary requirements. The anthem of Russia will not be played at any time during the games.

Individual athletes from Russia allowed to participate in the games will be determined from a panel chaired by Valerie Fourneyron - chair of the Independent Testing Authority - and including members of the Pre-Games Testing Task Force.

The IOC may decide to partially or fully lift the ban against the Russian Olympic Committee at the conclusion of the closing ceremonies.