Russia has paid the $15 million it was fined in December when it was suspended by the International Olympic Committee for mass doping, a source with knowledge of the issue told AFP Wednesday. "The fine has been paid," the source said.

The payment of the fine by the Russian Olympic Committee is one of the IOC's key criteria in deciding whether to lift Russia's suspension before the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday. The IOC barred Russia from the Olympics on December 5 after allegations that it had organised a huge system of doping at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where hosts Russia topped the medals table.

A team of 168 Russian athletes deemed to have proved they are "clean" have been allowed to compete in Pyeongchang under the banner Olympic Athletes from Russia. But Russia was embarrassed by the positive drugs test for curling bronze medallist Alexander Krushelnitsky - one of the competitors who was extensively screened before he was allowed to attend the Games.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2018