IAAF announces reform proposals to revive athletics

The IAAF has proposed the introduction of a new independent athletics integrity unit to monitor doping as part of sweeping changes to governance reforms.

Athletics has been dogged by various scandals in the past 12 months, with Russian track and field athletes currently banned by the governing body after claims of state-sponsored doping.

Kenya were also deemed "non-compliant" with WADA's anti-doping code, while former president Lamine Diack has been embroiled in a corruption scandal relating to doping offences.

In an attempt to rebuild the sport's image, the IAAF has proposed 15 changes to "create an effective organisation with the checks and balances and transparent structures required."

Within those proposals was the intention to monitor doping and non-doping integrity matters closely with a new unit, while an integrity code of conduct and disciplinary tribunal were also suggested.

Under the new guidelines - which will be voted on in December - an IAAF president would only be able to serve three terms of four years, a timescale that would also apply to other members of the executive board.

"Our reform proposals show how seriously we want to grip the issues facing our sport and design a strong diverse and modern organisation which reflects the global reach of athletics," said IAAF president Sebastian Coe.

"We are not afraid to make tough decisions, we owe it to the athletes. Our discussion over the last two days have been honest and robust."