by Our Sports Desk

THE International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) issued a statement yesterday saying they “warmly welcomes today’s clear and unequivocal statement” by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Athletics’ world governing body also confirmed they have agreed to send their full database with pre-2009 data to WADA and will fully co-operate with WADA on the analysis of its contents.

WADA released a statement earlier on in the day saying they will launch an urgent investigation into widespread doping allegations in international athletics.

German broadcaster ARD/WDR and The Sunday Times gained access to a database containing more than 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 athletes. It claimed more than 800 athletes — and a third of all medallists in endurance events at recent Olympics and World Championships — had suspicious blood test results which were not followed up by the IAAF.

In a lengthy and detailed response by the IAAF to the claims, the athletics governing body said the allegations were “sensationalist and confusing.”

However, WADA president Craig Reedie confirmed the matter had now been referred to their independent commission.

He said: “WADA is committed to protecting the confidentiality of athletes and therefore has asked its independent commission to commence its investigation with urgency.

“We are confident that the IAAF, which has formally agreed to full co-operation with the commission with respect to its inquiries, is equally committed.”

Sebastian Coe, who is running for the presidency of the IAAF later this month, launched a furious defence of international athletics’ record in dealing with doping, claiming the reports were “declaration of war.”

However, The former double Olympic 1500m gold medallist accepted some countries are causing a problem to the sport. Russia has had a number of high-profile drugs cheats banned.

The Sunday Times, though, continues to back its story and labelled the IAAF response “disingenuous,” questioning whether the organisation was committed to tackling doping. The two experts, Michael Ashenden and Robin Parisotto, said they stood by their beliefs.

While criticising the way the information was put into the public domain, WADA hope their investigation — scheduled be delivered by the end of the year — will discover the truth.

Reedie’s statement added: “WADA deplores the manner in which this data was obtained, leaked to the media and analysed. To suggest or imply doping with respect to any athlete whose data is contained within the database is, at the very least, irresponsible and potentially libellous.

“I ask that any athlete, or anti-doping organisation, concerned that their rights are being eroded or inappropriately challenged refer those concerns to the commission, which intends to commence its work immediately.”