Anti-doping groups call for Russia to be stripped of 2018 World Cup

Anti-doping groups want Russia stripped of the 2018 World Cup should the country fail to demonstrate compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), according to ESPN FC.

On the heels of the recently released McLaren Report, organisations including the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency have come forward to challenge Russia's hosting of the games following a summit of such groups held Tuesday in Dublin.

The McLaren Report contends that Russia violated WADA code through state-sponsored doping programs targeting more than 1,000 athletes between 2011 and 2015.

"I think until Russia can show they are co-compliant (with WADA regulations), all competitions, and that would include it (the World Cup) ... should be removed," U.S. Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart said.

Russia lost the 2017 Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships over similar claims.

Leaders of 19 anti-doping groups agreed it's "imperative that those responsible for Russia's state-supported system are held accountable."

In the face of criticism, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino remains adamant that Russia will follow all guidelines ahead of its maiden voyage in hosting the quadrennial event.

"We will guarantee that the World Cup in Russia will be completely safe when it comes to anti-doping matters or when it comes to doping cases," Infantino promised in December.

Russia continues to deny the allegations, with Anna Antseliovich, acting director of national anti-doping agency Rusada, telling the New York Times, "It was an institutional conspiracy."