Russian whistleblowers: Ban Russian athletes for Rio

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) The Russian couple whose exposure of doping in their country led to the ban of Russian athletes say they should remain suspended and excluded from the Rio Olympics next year.

VItaliy and Yuliya Stepanova spoke about widespread doping in Russian athletics to the German broadcaster ARD, leading to the suspension of the Russian federation.

In the latest interview Sunday, Vitaliy Steponov says it would ''unfair to the athletes around the world'' if the suspension is lifted and the Russians are allowed to compete in Rio.

He says ''for decades, the Russians have broken the rules, knowingly, have lied to the IOC, to athletes from different parts of the world.''

The ARD says the couple now lives in hiding and is willing to give more evidence to the IOC.