Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko on Thursday (21st July) said athletes banned from competing at the Olympic Games in Rio could go to a civil court.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sport Minister:

"In my opinion this decision totally violates the rights of clean athletes, honest athletes and of course it creates a precedent of collective responsibility."

SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sport Minister:

"Today the team and all athletes who signed (no clear what he is referring to, probably the CAS appeal) will discuss this issue with the federation, what to do next. I think that next there will be protection of honour and dignity. Even if the athletes won't make it till the Olympics, I think that it's time to go to the civil court because these rules prejudice the human rights."