BBC SportOlympics

The International Rowing Federation (Fisa) has banned Anastasia Fatina and Anastasia Karabelshchikova, two members of the 2007 Russian women's eight team.

Last year, three other members of Russia's squad were also banned.

"We may now consider a total ban of the Russian Rowing Federation for a period of up to four years," read a statement.

Last week, Fisa announced a ban of all Russian officials from taking part in any Fisa-sanctioned events for one year.

Fisa rules stipulate that the officials of any national federation can be banned if four or more violations of the anti-doping code are committed within a twelve-month period.

Fisa's executive committee is now carefully considering further actions Fisa statement

The two latest rowers to be banned bring Russia's total to nine, including the case of Olga Samulenkova who was banned in 2006.

"Fisa's executive committee is now carefully considering further actions and shall release any ensuing decision shortly," added the statement.

The investigation began on 16 July last year, when a bag containing substances and medical equipment used for intravenous infusions were found in a bin near the Russian squad hotel in Lucerne.

The athletes were identified through DNA analysis as having intravenously infused substances for a non-legitimate acute medical reason.

Fisa executive director Matt Smith added: "These are the last two athletes identified by DNA analysis to have used the material found in Lucerne last July.

"In order to respect the rights of the athletes, Fisa's policy is to carry out all investigations fully before it releases any information about its possible doping cases.

"This explains why it took several months before all eight athletes were identified, heard and sanctioned.