WADA to probe doping allegations in Russia

Ottawa, Dec 11 (IANS)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that it will fully investigate allegations of doping in Russia.

WADA president Craig Reedie said in a statement Wednesday that the allegations in the German TV programme needs further investigation, reports Xinhua.

"The allegations that have been raised in the German television programme 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," Reedie said.

"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," he said.

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 programmes alleged a web of doping and corruption among Russian athletics that implicated government-backed agencies.