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WADA to review UKAD evidence of doping in Kenya

UK Anti-Doping has begun an investigation into alleged doping by British athletes in Kenya, and WADA will review the evidence collected.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will undertake a review of the evidence collated by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) in relation to claims from two Kenyan doctors that they supplied prohibited performance-enhancing drugs to international athletes.

The allegations were made by the medics as they were secretly filmed by The Sunday Times, with assistance from German broadcaster ARD.

In the footage they claim to have received payment in order to administer banned substance EPO to athletes from countries including Britain and Kenya.

Although an associate of the doctors additionally alleged three British athletes were among those he had provided with performance-enhancing substances, The Sunday Times said he subsequently stressed he had lied over those claims and had encouraged the medics to do so as well for monetary gain.

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UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead confirmed the organisation had opened an investigation, with two members of the body already in Kenya "pursuing a number of lines of enquiry".

WADA has confirmed it will review all the evidence collated by UKAD and provide support where needed.

WADA director general Olivier Niggli said in a statement: "WADA is grateful to The Sunday Times for bringing the evidence to UKAD's attention.

"As UKAD is actively investigating the matter of British athletes, I have been in touch with their chief executive, Nicole Sapstead, to offer WADA's support as the situation evolves.

"I have full confidence that UKAD is addressing the matter with the necessary urgency and rigor.

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"In due course, WADA will be reviewing the evidence that UKAD compiles and taking the necessary action to ensure the protection of clean sport."

In May, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya was declared non-compliant by WADA, and Niggli admitted it raises further concerns over the country's anti-doping programme.

"On the broader topic of Kenya, this article is one in a series of reports questioning Kenya's ability to effectively address doping and suggesting that there exists a culture of doping in the country," he continued.

"Once WADA has had the opportunity to review the evidence from UKAD’s investigation, we will be better positioned to determine what action is required to address the allegations.

"At the very least, this is an indication that the Kenyan government must quickly put the necessary human resources behind Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in the interest of protecting clean sport."

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