On Tuesday, FIFA said that it had completed an investigation into possible anti-doping rule violations by Russian football players, finding insufficient evidence to claim that any of those who may take part in the World Cup committed any violations. On Saturday, the Mail on Sunday media outlet reported that FIFA knew about the alleged cover-up of Russian player’s positive drug tests 18 months ago. The report cited Pound as saying that FIFA does not have a 'robust' anti-doping policy, while also claiming that FIFA was concerned that the doping scandal could discredit the ongoing World Cup, held in Russia.

"These are the facts validated by WADA, which is the authoritative body in such matter. The opinions of Mr Pound and McLaren are uninformed in this case since Mr Pound was never involved in the investigations into potential doping in Russian football and Mr McLaren hasn’t had any involvement since summer 2017. If they are concerned about the handling of the investigations into football they should address those concerns to WADA since WADA approved FIFA’s conclusions," the statement read.