WADA alarmed by widespread doping allegations against international athletics

Montreal, August 2, 2015: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announces that it has viewed, and is very alarmed by, the television documentary that was released by German broadcaster ARD on 1 August. The documentary, titled “Doping – Top Secret: The Shadowy World of Athletics”, contains new allegations regarding widespread doping in international athletics.

The documentary alleges that ARD and The Sunday Times obtained a leaked database, belonging to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which contained more than 12,000 blood tests from around 5,000 athletes in the years 2001 to 2012.

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

“These allegations require swift and close scrutiny to determine whether there have in fact been breaches under the World Anti-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 collection 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. —- WADA