WADA

* WADA chief Sir Craig Reedie disturbed by the “wild” and “wide” allegations

 

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is alarmed by new allegations regarding widespread doping in international athletics following a documentary titled “Doping – Top Secret: The Shadowy World Athletics” aired by German broadcaster ARD on Aug 1.

The leaked database, belonging to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), was also obtained by The Sunday Times and it reveals that more than 12,000 blood tests from around 5,000 athletes in the years 2001 to 2012  showed hundreds of suspect samples from athletes, including Olympic and world championship winners.

WADA chief Sir Craig Reedie who is in Kuala Lumpur where the International Olympic Committee’s 128th Session is in progress, described the doping allegations as “wild” and “wide” although the report alleged that tests showed more than 800 athletes whose samples were highly suggestive of “doping” or “abnormal”.

“WADA is very disturbed by these new allegations that have been raised by ARD; which will once again, shake the foundation of clean athletes worldwide,” said Sir Craig.

“Given the nature of these allegations, which are an extension of those that were raised by ARD’s December 2014 documentary, they will immediately be handed over to WADA’s Independent Commission for further investigation.

“These allegations require swift and close scrutiny to determine whether there have in fact been breaches under the World Ant-Doping Code and, if so, what actions are required to be taken by WADA and/or other bodies.

“As always, WADA is committed to doing what’s necessary to ensure a level playing field for clean athletes of the world.”

ARD’s December 2014 documentary led to formation of an Independent Commission chaired by WADA’s founding President, Dick Pound.

The role of the Commission is to investigate the validity of allegations of doping practices; corrupt practices around sample collecion and results management; and, other ineffective administration of anti-doping processes that implicate Russia, the IAAF, athletes, coaches, trainers, doctors and other members of athletes’ entourages; as well as, the accredited laboratory based in Moscow and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).

The Independent Commission is scheduled to deliver its report to WADA’s president by year-end unless he deems it appropriate to extend the mandate.

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