The world rowing federation FISA has banned all Russian federation officials from its events for 12 months starting on Jan. 27 after seven doping violations by its rowers within a year. FISA said a meeting of its executive committee had decided to ban all Russian officials, coaches and support staff - although their rowers could still compete.

It said FISA would discuss whether the ban should apply for this year's Beijing Olympics with the IOC and the Russian federation.

Three members of the Russian men's eight at the World Championships, a member of the women's eight, and the lightweight men's doubles pair have been banned for two years for using intravenous injections.

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