Wednesday 10 December 2014 23:45, UK
The World Anti-Doping Agency are to undertake a “full investigation” into allegations the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) failed to probe suspicious blood samples involving 150 athletes, including a leading Briton.
German broadcaster ARD alleges that a long-time member of the IAAF's medical commission, whose identity has not been revealed, had a list of dozens of questionable blood values which were not followed up.
The explosive allegations include names of athletes primarily from Russia as well as Ukraine, Greece, Bulgaria, Spain, Morocco, Kenya, Germany and the UK.
The British athlete, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, reportedly had a high red blood cell count in samples but was not targeted for follow-up testing.
WADA has now announced that “following careful review” it will now fully investigate the allegations.
Sir Craig Reedie, WADA president, said: “The allegations that have been raised in the German television programs require close scrutiny to determine what actions are required to be taken by WADA and others, to confirm the evidence, seek further evidence, and pursue any anti-doping rule violations or breaches of the International Standards that have allegedly taken place.
“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.
“WADA will announce the details of such an inquiry once the composition of the Commission and the details of the terms of reference are completed.”
The IAAF has vehemently denied the allegations while the Russian Athletics Federation has branded the claims “lies” and threatened legal action against ARD.
