WADA 'dismayed' by new Russia allegations
WADA president Craig Reedie said new allegations "will do little to reinforce confidence in the Russian anti-doping system".
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has expressed dismay over the latest doping allegations levelled at Russian athletics.
Russian track and field athletes were suspended from international competition by the IAAF last November following allegations of state-sponsored doping in a report from an independent commission established by WADA.
The IAAF produced a list of criteria that the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) must comply with in order to have the ban overturned, with the Rio Olympic Games on the horizon.
But a documentary screened by German broadcaster ARD on Sunday claimed that anti-doping regulations are still being breached.
A WADA statement released on Monday said: "WADA has viewed, and is dismayed by, the revelations in yesterday's television documentary released by German broadcaster ARD.
"The new documentary, titled 'Russia's Red Herrings', contains new allegations suggesting malpractice by a number of individuals involved in the Russian anti-doping system.
"The documentary alleges that an individual from the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) gave advance warning to athletes of testing plans; that an individual connected with the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) was providing banned substances to athletes; and, that a coach that was sanctioned following the WADA Independent Commission Report (Part 1) is still operating as a coach in Russia despite the ban.
"WADA will verify these allegations and; in particular, seek confirmation as to when the evidence was collected."
WADA president Craig Reedie stated: "At a time when trust in sport is wafer thin, these troubling assertions will do little to reinforce confidence in the Russian anti-doping system when clean athletes need it most.
"The allegations suggest that there is still much, much work to be done in Russia; and, that we will need the full and unwavering cooperation of the Russian authorities to reverse the damage. Until this happens, clean athletes won't be able to trust that there is a level playing field.
"These allegations are already in the hands of the IAAF Taskforce, which is the relevant athletics body; as well as, the authorities within Russia. I have no doubt that they will look at these matters without delay and draw the appropriate conclusions.
"When sports officials offer banned substances to athletes, deliberately provide advance notice of tests, or continue coaching when they have been banned from coaching, their actions only serve to undercut the globally-accepted system that we have spent years putting in place.
"These allegations will further disgust clean athletes around the world; and, reinforce in their minds that there is still much work to be done to repair the anti-doping system in Russia.
"I will not hesitate to act swiftly to ensure that any breaches to the Code are dealt with firmly and expeditiously. Strong and decisive action by all sporting authorities is imperative if clean athletes, and indeed the public at large, are to retain belief in the integrity of sport."