The International Biathlon Union (IBU) took drastic measures before the start of the World Cup.

The world biathlon organization decided to immediately remove nine members of the Kazakhstan team for the use of prohibited substances. This is stated on the official IBU website..

In relation to the biathlonists, a criminal investigation is already open, and their participation in the first stage of the world championship is a huge question..

Suspicions came under suspicion: Galina Vishnevskaya, Alina Raikova, Daria Klimina-Usanova, Olga Poltoranina, Jan Savitsky, Maxim Braun, Anna Kistanova, Anton Pantov and Vasily Potkoritov.

"In order to guarantee the fairness of the competitions held and avoid a significant risk of doping sanctions, the following members of the Kazakhstan national biathlon team are suspended from participating in any competitions held under the auspices of the IBU.

The suspension will take effect immediately and will last until a final decision with alleged violations of the anti-doping rules, "the official statement says.

These athletes have every right to explain, and after that the IBU will decide their future..

Previously, banned substances were found twice in the national team of Kazakhstan.