LONDON (AP) – The IAAF is giving Russia until the end of the week to respond to damning allegations of state-sponsored doping before the world governing body decides whether to suspend the country from international competition.
IAAF President Sebastian Coe said Monday he had initiated the process of considering sanctions against Russia in the wake of the report by a World Anti-Doping Agency commission that accused Russia of systematic doping and cover-ups.
“The allegations are alarming,” Coe said. “These are dark days.”
The International Association of Athletics Federations will consider suspending the Russian federation, a move that could keep Russia’s track and field athletes out of next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I asked the Russian federation to report back to us by the end of the week,” Coe said in a conference call with a small group of reporters. “I want an explanation for the allegations that have been made today. That will allow my council to make a judgment about what the next step is.”