The World Anti-Doping Agency, or WADA, said Wednesday that it will undertake a full investigation into allegations of doping and cover-ups by Russian track and field athletes made by a German documentary.
"The allegations that have been raised in the German television programs require close scrutiny ... to confirm the evidence, seek further evidence, and pursue any anti-doping rule violations," WADA president Sir Craig Reedie said in a statement.
An hour-long program, broadcast by ZDF/ARD last Wednesday, featured an undercover video of what it says are Russian athletes and coaches admitting to covering up positive tests.
The video also alleged corruption and a systematic doping issue among Russian athletes and high-ranking officials.
"WADA must ensure that all athletes who have cheated, either at national or international level, are dealt with in an appropriate fashion under the World Anti-Doping Code," the Montreal-based organization said.
Following the broadcast, Russia's athletics federation called the allegations "a pack of lies" while the International Association of Athletics Federations called them "grave allegations."
The Russian Anti-Doping Agency has also launched an investigation into the allegations.
