Russia Responds to Accusations by ARD TV, from EME News

Luzhniki Stadium , Moscow, Russia, courtesy of IAAF

The response has been swift and furious from the Russian Federation, RUSADA, IOC and iAAF after two part TV show on ARD TV, German public television and articles in L’Equipe and Guardian.

Here are some of the comments from various sources, courtesy of EME News.

IAAF confirms investigation
MONACO (MON): The IAAF has said that an investigation by the IAAF Ethics Commission into doping in Russia is already ongoing with respect to some of the allegations made in the German documentary which was aired on Wednesday. The IAAF released a statement, saying, “We would like to underline that the IAAF Ethics Commission is completely independent of the IAAF and has full powers to investigate and issue sanctions when relevant. A transcript in English of the German TV documentary has been forwarded to the Ethics Commission. With regard to matters revealed in the documentary related to anti-doping and, therefore outside the scope of the Ethics Commission, these will be studied carefully and dealt with according to the relevant IAAF rules and in full co-operation with WADA.”

Balakhnichev says it is unfair account
MOSCOW (RUS): Russia’s Athletics Federation president Valentin Balakhnichev has said that ARD’s documentary on doping in Russia gave an “unfair account”, inform Reuters. “I can say that there are a pack of lies and it is an unfair account,” said Balakhnichev. “I will be able to give a more accurate and fuller commentary later in the day once we have studied the situation further.” RUSADA managing director Nikita Kamaev asserted, “We believe that the speculation and the statements are completely unfounded.”

Mutko reacts
MOSCOW (RUS): Russian Sports minister Vitaliy Mutko assured that if the German journalists, who shot the film on the use of Russian athletes doping, provide facts, they will be studied. According to Mutko, the ministry is ready to carry out an investigation in the case of hard evidence. Mutko also said the film is an attempt to diminish the sport in Russia. Informs Sport-express.ru.

Author

Larry Eder

Larry Eder has had a 52-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Also does some updates for BBC Sports at key events, which he truly enjoys.

Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."

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