RUSADA dismisses German TV doping claims as 'speculation'
A 60-minute documentary called 'Secret Doping Dossier: How Russia produces its Winners', aired by German state broadcaster ARD on Wednesday, made serious allegations of doping in Russian athletics, pointing the finger at Russian Athletics Federation president and IAAF treasurer Valentin Balakhnichev amongst others.
However, RUSADA managing director Nikita Kamaev told AFP: "We have no real documents confirming these accusations.
"As long as there is no official request from the World Anti-Doping Agency into this matter, we consider this to be nothing more than wanton speculation."
The documentary featured hard-hitting accusations by 800m runner Iuliia Stepanova, who is banned until January for a doping violation, and her husband Vitali Stepanov, who worked for RUSADA between 2008 and 2011.
In a statement published on their website, WADA promised to "ensure that all matters raised are fully investigated."
The statement added: "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. 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 (World Anti-Doping) Code."
The Russian Athletics Federation will make an "official statement" on the matter in due course, after a meeting to discuss "the scandal", vice-president Vadim Zelitchenok told the Itar-Tass agency.
Source: AFP, via I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
