Russian treasurer and son of IAAF president suspend activities for duration of the prob

DPA/Berlin

The IAAF said yesterday that Diack followed IAAF treasurer Valentin Balakhnichev, who has also stopped his duties as long as the federation’s ethics committee probes allegations made in a German Tv documentary last week.

“The IAAF appreciates the gesture of council member Valentin Balakhnichev, who has been the subject of recent media allegations, who has voluntarily decided to cease exercising his duties as IAAF treasurer and council member until the ... investigation has concluded,” the IAAF said.

“IAAF marketing consultant Papa Massata Diack has also written to the IAAF confirming that he will suspend his activities on behalf of the IAAF until the commission has delivered its final report.”

A German TV documentary by state broadcasters ARD last week alleged Russian sport is plagued by systematic doping, covering up of tests and corruption. The report included statements from whistleblowers and implicated Russian coaches and officials.

ARD and French sports daily L’Equipe said that Liliya Shobukhova, a three-time Chicago marathon winner, paid 450,000 euros (557,000) to avoid a doping ban.

She was eventually banned for doping and said that some of the money was refunded. ARD linked the refund to Balakhnichev, who is also president of the Russian athletics federation. It also said that the Singapore Bank which made the payment is owned by a business partner of Papa Massata Diack.

Balakhnikov announced his temporary withdrawal Wednesday in an interview with the Tass news agency, and did also not rule out legal action against ARD over what he named a “provocation aimed at undermining Russian sport.”

Wada to probe allegations

Apart from the IAAF ethics committee, the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA said Wednesday night it will also probe the wide-ranging allegations.

“The allegations that have been raised in the German television programs require close scrutiny to determine what actions are required to be taken by WADA and others, to confirm the evidence, seek further evidence, and pursue any anti-doping rule violations or breaches of the international standards that have allegedly taken place,” WADA president Craig Reedie said in a statement.

“WADA must ensure that all athletes who have cheated, either at national or international level, are dealt with in an appropriate fashion under the World Anti-Doping Code. WADA will announce the details of such an inquiry once the composition of the commission and the details of the terms of reference are completed.”