CAS rejects appeals of 13 Russians on eve of Olympics as ruling on Pyeonyang participation awaits

Communications Director at World Anti-Doping Agency Catherine Maclean arrives for a press conference of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ahead of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games on February 8, 2018 in Pyeongchang [Photo: @AFP]

A group of 13 Russians lost a last-ditch bid to beat their country's doping ban and take part in the Pyeongchang Olympics on Thursday, the day before the opening ceremony.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is also dealing with 47 other Russian appeals, said it "lacked jurisdiction" to deal with the six athletes and seven doctors, coaches and support staff.