The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Wednesday it will undertake a full investigation into allegations of doping and cover-ups by Russian track and field athletes made by a German TV documentary.
“The allegations that have been raised in the German television programs require close scrutiny ... to confirm the evidence, seek further evidence and pursue any anti-doping rule violations,” WADA president Craig Reedie said in a statement.
An hour-long program, broadcast by ZDF/ARD on Wednesday last week, featured an undercover video of what it says are Russian athletes and coaches admitting to covering up positive tests.
Photo: EPA
The video, which has not been seen or verified, also alleged corruption and a systematic doping conspiracy among Russian athletes and high-ranking officials.
“WADA must ensure that all athletes who have cheated, either at national or international level, are dealt with in an appropriate fashion under the World Anti-Doping Code,” the Montreal-based organization said.
Following the broadcast, Russia’s athletics federation called the allegations “a pack of lies,” while the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) called them “grave allegations.”
The Russian Anti-Doping Agency has also launched an investigation into the allegations.
Meanwhile, the head of the Russian athletics federation said that he has stepped down from his role as IAAF treasurer while the accusations are investigated.
Valentin Balakhnichev said he and his federation had been subjected to “brutal persecution” following the documentary.
Balakhnichev told Russia’s Tass news agency he had stepped down voluntarily and plans to return to the post at “the end of the investigation into this doping scandal.”
The program also appeared to show reigning Olympic 800m champion Maria Savinova admitting to using the banned steroid oxandrolone.
ARD and French sports daily L’Equipe reported that three-time Chicago Marathon winner Liliya Shobukhova paid 450,000 euros (US$560,000) to avoid a doping ban. Shobukhova was eventually banned for doping and she said some of the money was refunded.
ARD has said it found evidence linking Shobukhova’s apparent 300,000 euro refund payment to Balakhnichev. The Singapore-based company that allegedly made the payment is owned by a business partner of Papa Massata Diack, the son of IAAF president Lamine Diack, ARD said in another program broadcast on Monday.
Balakhnichev has taken a combative stance against the allegations of Russian doping, threatening that his federation could sue for defamation over the ARD film.
The Russian Sports Ministry promised on Monday that WADA investigators would receive “complete assistance” from the Russian authorities.
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