Germany's ARD tonight aired a documentary, Top-secret Doping: How Russia makes its Winners, in which athletes such as 800 metres runner Yuliya Rusanova, currently banned because of abnormalities in her biological passport, reigning 800m Olympic champion Mariya Savinova and marathon runner Liliya Shobukhova appear to have evidence of corruption among sport officials in the nation that hosted this year's Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

The broadcast includes claims of doping cover ups and features secretly recorded video footage.

Vitaliy Stepanov, the husband of Rusanova and was an employee of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) for three years, also make accusations of widespread doping in the country.

Russian marathon runner Liliya Shobukhova is alleged to have paid €450,000 to cover up abnormalities found in her biological passport ©Getty Images


Shobukhova allegedly paid €450,000 (£350,000/$550,000) so that abnormalities found in her biological passport would be covered up.

Earlier this year the IAAF banned Shobukhova for two years because her biological passport showed "abnormal haematological curves" and stripped her of the three consecutive Chicago Marathon titles she had won in 2009, 2010 and 2011, as well as the 2010 London Marathon.

"WADA has seen the German television documentary alleging systematic doping in Russia, and other breaches of the World Anti-Doping Code," read a statement on the worldwide anti-doping body's website.

"WADA will ensure that all matters raised are fully investigated."

The explosive allegations about systematic doping in Russia were made in a documentary broadcast on German television channel ADR ©ADR

The organisation said that it already has some information surrounding the allegations and is now waiting for the IAAF to take action.

"WADA has in fact already received some information and evidence of the type exposed in the documentary," the statement added.

"All of that information has been passed to the appropriate independent body within the international federation, the IAAF.

"We will await the outcome of that independent body's deliberations.

"Insofar as the particular allegations against Russian authorities and others are concerned, these will all be carefully scrutinised and if action is warranted, WADA will take any necessary and appropriate steps under the Code."

RUSADA director general Nikita Kamaev has rejected all of the allegations.

The documentary can be seen in German here.

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