Beijing – World anti-doping chief Craig Reedie has written a reassuring email to Russian anti-doping officials in connection with a probe into allegations of widespread doping in Russia, German state broadcasters ARD said late on Thursday.
According to the email, reportedly sent in April and published on the ARD website, Reedie expressed regret about `a problem’ between WADA and the Russian sports ministry over the allegations also made by ARD in a programme in December.
The mail was sent to Natalya Zhelanova, who was appointed by Sports Minister Vitali Mutko to oversee Russia’s doping issues.
“I wish to make it clear to you and to the minister that there is no action being taken by WADA that is critical of the efforts which I know have been made, and are being made, to improve anti-doping efforts in Russia,’’ the email said.
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Reedie said “there are no political elements in any actions taken by WADA’’ and that WADA “was pressed by a number of National Anti-Doping Agencies from different parts of the world to commence an investigation into the allegations made.’’
ARD had said that doping was widespread in Russia after which WADA set up an independent commission to investigate, headed by former WADA chief Richard Pound.
A report has yet to be published.
Although the committee is independent, Reedie still offered his view by saying “that the content of the television programmes was based on a period of time that pre-dates the changes in legislation and the investment in [the Russian anti-doping agency] RUSADA that have been made.’’
WADA meanwhile dismissed suggestions that Reedie’s email was designed to chum up to the Russians and that reports from earlier this month “do not reflect the reality of the situation.’’ (dpa/NAN)