Russian weightlifting team banned from Rio 2016

The International Weightlifting Federation has barred Russia from Rio 2016, asserting Friday that its athletes have "severely damaged" the integrity of the competition.

Russia's eight lifters will be replaced by lifters from other countries.

The IWF's decision represents the latest fallout from the Russian doping scandal, and is further evidence to suggest the country has sponsored a systematic doping program across the entire sports spectrum.

The International Olympic Committee was presented with evidence to support a massive cover up, but decided not to ban the Russia from Rio 2016, instead putting the onus on each individual federation to deliver sanctions.

Most events will have Russian representation, though the country's track and field entry has been reduced to one member, and a decision awaits on their boxers.