Systematic doping claims in Russian athletics 'damaging': says Lord Coe

Lord Coe, who is a candidate for the presidency of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), has said that the claims of systematic doping in Russian athletics are 'damaging' and has called for independent testing to help tackle the issue of drugs in the sport.

The Russian Athletics Federation called the allegations by a German TV as lies. Coe said that there is a disproportionate amount of reputational damage being caused by a small number of countries, adding that this is not endemic across the world of athletics.

Coe also said that he really does feel that independent testing at arm's length from the federation is the way forward, and added that independent testing and sanctioning would take some of the pressure off member federations and cut through any potential for conflict. He claimed that they have to get this right, The BBC reported.

Coe further said that they recognise that this is not simply about athletes, adding that that fair play is not something rooted simply on the field of play.

The IAAF is looking into further doping allegations made in a second German TV documentary on Sunday.

Coe said that they have to make people realise that they are very, very serious about maintaining clean track and field.