Athletics Fed Reviewing Allegations in German Documentary-Updated

(ATR) In the wake of two incriminating documentaries alleging widespread doping in Russia and related transgressions, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Ethics Commission is proceeding with an internal investigation.

As was the case for the first documentary – "Secret Doping Dossier: How Russia Produces its Winners," which aired on December 3rd, an English transcript of the second program – centered around doping matters involving the son and lawyer of IAAF president Lamine Diack – is being forwarded to all relevant parties for review.

According to the IAAF, those mentioned in the programs will be asked to respond to the specific allegations made against each of them.

The IAAF has also pledged that it will fully cooperate with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on all pertinent matters.

IAAF vice president Sebastian Coe told reporters in Monaco that he expects an independent review to be conducted.

'They are very serious allegations. The very fact that the allegations are in the public domain means that they are serious. So, we have to be very clear that this is a very, very difficult time for our sport."

Coe, who last month declared his candidacy for the IAAF presidency, believes the actions of a few are tarnishing the sport in which he won two gold medals in the 1500m.

'This is not in every country of the world - there are 213 federations. But you do have to say a disproportionate amount of the reputational damage is in a relatively small number of countries, and I think we have to recognize this."

Another IAAF vice-president, former pole vault world record holder Sergey Bubka, urged a rapid and thorough investigation.

"This is undoubtedly a challenging time for athletics. I am deeply shocked and understand that we need to act quickly and transparently now in order to protect the integrity of our sport.

"I believe in a zero tolerance policy against doping and we have to consistently and relentlessly fight against what is the biggest threat to sport in the 21st century," Bubka said in a statement.

In the related German magazine program Sport Inside airing Dec. 8 on WDR Television, the ARD doping editorial group claims it will further reveal details of the apparent Russian doping system and IAAF involvement.

The programs allege that Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) president Valentin Balakhnichev was privy to a repayment of 300,000 euros in April to renowned Russian marathoner Liliya Shobukhova. Shobukhova reportedly initially paid ARAF a larger sum to cover up high blood values and allow her to compete at the London Olympics.

With Balakhnichev’s knowledge, the repayment was allegedly made via the "Black Tidings" publishing company in Singapore. The company was liquidated shortly after the payment.

According to a press release from WDR, the IAAF, when further questioned, admitted that the owner of the former company "Black Tidings" was a business partner of Massata Papa Diack, IAAF consultant and son of IAAF president Lamine Diack.

Massata Papa Diack confirmed to WDR that he had business links with the owner of the company in joint consultancy work for the IAAF. However, Diack said he was not linked with "Black Tidings" itself, either as a partner or in an advisory role.

The IAAF has responded and announced that it would also have this connection reviewed by its ethics committee.

Bubka advised that the IOC Entourage Commission was established after he suggested that the focus of doping investigations should "not just be on the athletes" during his tenure on the IOC Athletes Commission ten years ago. The Ukrainian NOC president is currently the chairperson of the commission.

Written by Brian Pinelli.

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