Hajo Seppelt backed the recommendations for Russia to be banned from future events after the doping scandal surrounding their track and field team.

A commission, set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), suggested a ban for Russia due to a "deeply rooted culture of cheating" and a "fundamentally flawed mindset that is deeply ingrained in all levels of Russian athletics".

Seppelt's documentary on German TV last December first raised suspicions and the journalist backed a potential ban for Russia.

"I think that it was the right decision by WADA to recommend debarring Russia from Olympic Games, World Championships or any other athletic sporting events," he told Omnisport.

"It is a clear message by WADA. It was high time to do that because before there were only threats against countries who do not respect the anti-doping laws but nothing ever happened."

Seppelt said he expected the investigation into Russia to act as a warning and message to other nations.

"Now for the first time we have the situation that Russia could be debarred from Olympic Games," he said.

"I hope that many countries will learn their lesson from that issue. It has been shown that rules are only working when some pressure is applied.

"In that case, Russia’s reputation and prestige is under pressure because Russia has a very prominent role in sports.

"Moreover there is financial pressure on Russia because of sponsors and so on. That also plays an important role."