Sport

Wada to investigate doping claims

German documentary alleged Russia are fundng ‘East German-style’ doping programme

Mariya Savinova, who won gold in the 800m at the 2012 Olympics, is one of the athletes who the documentary says may have been covered up
Mariya Savinova, who won gold in the 800m at the 2012 Olympics, is one of the athletes who the documentary says may have been covered up
Thu Dec 04 2014 - 11:28

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada)has vowed to “fully investigate” allegations made by a German television documentary.

The programme, which was broadcast on Germany’s Das Erste channel on Wednesday evening, claimed to present evidence of systematic doping and corruption in Russian sport.

The documentary also contended that the corruption extends beyond Russia and takes in one leading governing body in world sport.

The Russian city of Sochi hosted the Winter Olympics earlier this year while Russia will stage the World Cup for the first time in 2018.

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A statement on Wada’s website read: “Wada has seen the German television documentary alleging systematic doping in Russia, and other breaches of the World Anti-Doping Code. Wada will ensure that all matters raised are fully investigated.

“Wada has in fact already received some information and evidence of the type exposed in the documentary. All of that information has been passed to the appropriate independent body within the international federation, the IAAF (athletics). We will await the outcome of that independent body’s deliberations.

“Insofar as the particular allegations against Russian authorities and others are concerned, these will all be carefully scrutinised and, if action is warranted, Wada will take any necessary and appropriate steps under the code.”