Berlin protests Russia World Cup ban on German journalist

(FILES) In this file photo taken on August 4, 2016 shows German TV channel ARD journalist, Hajo Seppelt, who directed a series of films about doping in Russian sport, leaving a press conference held by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Berlin protested on May 14, 2018 against Moscow's decision to ban from the World Cup a German journalist who broke the story on Russia's vast doping scandal, slamming the decision as "wrong". / AFP PHOTO

Berlin protested Monday against Moscow's decision to ban from the World Cup the German journalist who broke the story on Russia's state-sponsored doping scandal, stoking further an already controversial tournament.

The row erupted just days before German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in recent years has clashed repeatedly with Western leaders on a litany of issues including the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.