Russian President Putin orders internal probe into doping scandal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country must do everything to get rid of doping, ordering an internal inquiry into mounting allegations of rampant doping scandal in athletics in the country.

Putin urged the sport officials to cooperate with anti-doping and international athletics authorities, Sport24 reported.

The 63-year-old also asserted that those who break the rules are individually responsible for it and the athletes who have never touched doping should not suffer.

Earlier, an independent anti-doping commission set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) called for the suspension of Russia's athletics federation from all competitions.

Describing Russia as a major competitor in Rio Olympics, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said that the claims are just to spoil the image of the country.

According to its scathing report, Russian officials with the consent of the government are being involved in widespread corruption, which involves destroying samples and intimidating laboratory staff.