WADA to investigate alleged Russian doping

The World Anti-Doping Agency says it will conduct its own probe of allegations of systematic doping in Russian athletics.

WADA announced the inquiry on Wednesday after reviewing of a series of documentaries over the past week by Germany’s ARD network.

The programs alleged a web of doping and corruption in Russian athletics that implicated government-backed agencies.

Last week, WADA said it would ensure that the allegations were investigated, and had passed evidence to an IAAF ethics panel.

Now, WADA President Craig Reedie has promised an agency probe “to determine what actions are required to be taken by WADA and others.”

Reedie’s statement targets “all athletes who have cheated,” though does not mention officials who have been implicated.

WADA says it will later announce details of the inquiry and investigation panel.