Athletics was once again at the centre of fresh claims about doping yesterday after it was alleged the sport’s world governing body the IAAF turned a blind eye to suspicious blood tests involving 150 athletes, including some from Britain.

German TV broadcaster ARD reported that a long-time member of the IAAF’s medical commission, whose identity has not been revealed, had a list of dozens of questionable blood values which were not followed up.

The alleged cases involved blood samples taken between 2006 and 2008 and were “highly suspicious” according to the unnamed medical commission member, but there was no follow-up involving target testing of the athletes involved by the IAAF’s doping department.

It is claimed by ARD that many of the samples came from Russian athletes, but that three British athletes were also involved along with others from Kenya, Germany, Spain and Morocco.

ARD has also alleged there is systematic doping in Russian athletics and implicated the IAAF in covering up the problem.

The British trio are included on a list of names which appears to have come from the IAAF and is headed “Suspicious.”

The latest claims will add weight to Sebastian Coe’s campaign for the IAAF’s anti-doping system to be completely independent in terms of testing and sanctions.

Coe, an IAAF vice-president who is running for the presidency, has made the establishment of an independent doping body a key part of his manifesto.

Coe, in Monaco for the IOC Session, said: “This is the time to really push for a wholly independent arm to our testing procedures.

“Clearly, there are resource implications. But I know that in the UK in the 80s, that actually made a massive difference. I think this is the moment.”

Coe added on Twitter: “It’s vital that the IAAF, the ethics committee and WADA (World Anti-Doping Association) complete their work on recent allegations. Only then can the appropriate steps be considered.”

Dick Pound, the Canadian IOC member and former president of WADA, said the allegations highlighted the need for athletics to improve its anti-doping processes.

Pound said: “Athletics has a problem and it will be interesting to see how they respond — and how quick they respond.

“This is harder evidence than we normally have. I think the IAAF need to do something meaningful because clearly what they are doing is not sufficient.”