Why Russia's doping ban doesn't spell good news for Scotland's Euro 2020 hopes

Some Scotland fans may have hoped that it could guarantee them a trip to the Euros but we've got some bad news.

Russia have been banned from major sporting events for four years but it won't have an effect on their Euro 2020 qualification.

They won't be allowed to compete at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 or the Tokyo Olympics next year.

But Scotland fans who may have hoped that their doping could give the Tartan Army automatic qualification for the Euro 2020 will be left disappointed.

Russia will still be allowed to compete at the tournament next summer with Saint Petersburg also still allowed to host games.

The city has games in the group and quarter final but WADA's ban means Russia aren't allowed to host major sporting events either.

However, UEFA's isn't viewed as a 'Major Sporting Organisation' by the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.

The ISCCS lay out the rules on doping breaches and their definition of a Major Sporting Organisation is "continental association of National Olympic Committees and other international multisport organisations that function as a ruling body for any continental, regional or other international event."

That means that because UEFA are a governing body for a single sport rather than multiple, Euro 2020 isn't covered.

The code does cover single sport world championships and that is why they will be banned from the 2022 World Cup - hosted by FIFA rather than UEFA.

UEFA have said they won't be making any contact at this stage following the announcement.

The 2021 Champions League Final is also due to be held in the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg.

Russia finished in second place in Scotland's group for Euro 2020 qualifying with two victories over Steve Clarke's men.