by Larry Eder
IAAF confirms investigation
MONACO (MON): The IAAF has said that an investigation by the IAAF Ethics Commission into doping in Russia is already ongoing with respect to some of the allegations made in the German documentary which was aired on Wednesday. The IAAF released a statement, saying, “We would like to underline that the IAAF Ethics Commission is completely independent of the IAAF and has full powers to investigate and issue sanctions when relevant. A transcript in English of the German TV documentary has been forwarded to the Ethics Commission. With regard to matters revealed in the documentary related to anti-doping and, therefore outside the scope of the Ethics Commission, these will be studied carefully and dealt with according to the relevant IAAF rules and in full co-operation with WADA.”
Balakhnichev says it is unfair account
MOSCOW (RUS): Russia’s Athletics Federation president Valentin Balakhnichev has said that ARD’s documentary on doping in Russia gave an “unfair account”, inform Reuters. “I can say that there are a pack of lies and it is an unfair account,” said Balakhnichev. “I will be able to give a more accurate and fuller commentary later in the day once we have studied the situation further.” RUSADA managing director Nikita Kamaev asserted, “We believe that the speculation and the statements are completely unfounded.”
Mutko reacts
MOSCOW (RUS): Russian Sports minister Vitaliy Mutko assured that if the German journalists, who shot the film on the use of Russian athletes doping, provide facts, they will be studied. According to Mutko, the ministry is ready to carry out an investigation in the case of hard evidence. Mutko also said the film is an attempt to diminish the sport in Russia. Informs Sport-express.ru.
