Nikita Kamayev has died after suffering a heart attack ©Getty Images

Nikita Kamayev, the former executive director of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), has died after suffering a heart attack.

The news comes just weeks after Kamayev resigned amid the doping scandal which has rocked Russian athletics, and just a fortnight after the death of RUSADA's founding chairman Vyacheslav Sinev.

"He will remain in our memories as an experienced and understanding leader, distinguished by his high professionalism," said a RUSADA statement.

Ramil Khabriyev, who previously served as the director general of RUSADA, added to the TASS news agency: "It looks like an extensive infraction.

"He complained of heartache after a skiing session.

"He has never complained about heart problems, at least to me.

"Maybe his wife knew about such problems."

Kamayev was one of four officials to quit in December following explosive revelations of state-supported doping in Russia, which were published in the first report of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Independent Commission.

Vitaly Mutko has said that RUSADA won't be disbanded
Vitaly Mutko has said that RUSADA won't be disbanded ©Getty Images

RUSADA was heavily criticised in the report, which prompted the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to ban Russia from international competition.

WADA suspended RUSADA and declared the organisation non compliant with its code, and the accreditation of its laboratory in Moscow was withdrawn.

Director Grigory Rodchenkov, who WADA had demanded was sacked, resigned, after being identified as a key figure in the Independent Commission report.

He was accused of covering up positive tests, extorting money from athletes and destroying 1,417 samples before inspectors had a chance to visit.

Kamayev had previously described criticism in the WADA report, released last November, as "nonsense".

Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has said that RUSADA will not be disbanded.

Instead, a new team of staff will be hired.

Earlier this month, a cooperation agreement between RUSADA, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and WADA was signed as efforts continue to welcome the country back into fold.

The agreement will include UKAD initiating a test distribution plan, aimed at making sure sufficient testing is in place in Russia during RUSADA’s current period of non-compliance.