UK Athletics has had 'no concerns over Alberto Salazar's conduct in relation to Mo Farah' but will immediately begin review of management system surrounding Brit

  • Alberto Salazar is accused of giving athletes performance-enhancing drugs
  • American is the coach of double Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah 
  • UK had no concerns over Salazar's conduct in relation to British athlete

By Nicholas Godden for MailOnline

Published: 06:39 EST, 6 June 2015 | Updated: 13:02 EST, 6 June 2015

UK Athletics say they have had no concerns over accused coach Alberto Salazar's coaching methods and conduct with regards to his relationship with double Olympics gold medallist Mo Farah.

It was claimed by BBC's Panorama that the American coach had been involved in supplying and trafficking illegal performance-enhancing drugs for his athletes.

UK Athletics have revealed, however they will immediately begin a focussed review of the performance management team surrounding Farah, which he has supported.

Athletics coach Alberto Salazar (centre) has been accused of supplying his athletes with illegal drugs

Athletics coach Alberto Salazar (centre) has been accused of supplying his athletes with illegal drugs

Witnesses told the BBC that Salazar had provided Galen Rupp (left) with testosterone from the age of 16

Witnesses told the BBC that Salazar had provided Galen Rupp (left) with testosterone from the age of 16

The British athlete is not under investigation himself, but witnesses told the BBC programme that Salazar had provided Farah's training partner, Galen Rupp, with testosterone from the age of 16.

'Following the broadcast of BBC’s Panorama programme on Wednesday, UK Athletics has carefully considered the content,' a statement released by UK Athletics read.

'Whilst acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, UK Athletics can confirm it has had absolutely no concerns over the conduct and coaching methods of Alberto Salazar in relation to Mo Farah or in his role as an endurance consultant.

'As an organisation with a proven anti-doping commitment, we view the allegations made in regard of non-British athletes who have been coached by Alberto Salazar with utmost seriousness.

Mo Farah (right) defeated his American counterpart to win gold during the 2012 Olympics in London

Mo Farah (right) defeated his American counterpart to win gold during the 2012 Olympics in London

Olympic champion Farah, who is not under investigation himself, has been urged to sever ties with Salazar

Olympic champion Farah, who is not under investigation himself, has been urged to sever ties with Salazar

'It is the role of the appropriate independent anti-doping agencies to investigate these further.

'We repeat our call for them to do so at the earliest opportunity, and to share those findings so that we can take any appropriate actions.'

Further allegations claimed Salazar once even used a hollowed-out book to surreptitiously supply Rupp with drugs.

UK ATHLETICS STATEMENT IN FULL 

Following the broadcast of BBC’s Panorama programme on Wednesday, UK Athletics has carefully considered the content.

Whilst acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, UK Athletics can confirm it has had absolutely no concerns over the conduct and coaching methods of Alberto Salazar in relation to Mo Farah or in his role as an endurance consultant.

As an organisation with a proven anti-doping commitment, we view the allegations made in regard of non-British athletes who have been coached by Alberto Salazar with utmost seriousness.

It is the role of the appropriate independent anti-doping agencies to investigate these further.

We repeat our call for them to do so at the earliest opportunity, and to share those findings so that we can take any appropriate actions.

With regard to British athletes we believe that the process/safeguards and systems that we have in place around our own athletes are appropriate.

Within UK Athletics, the Corporate Governance responsibility for our performance programme, overseeing these systems and reporting back to the board, rests with the Performance Oversight Management Group, comprising Jason Gardener MBE, Dr Sarah Rowell and Anne Wafula-Strike.

Following the Panorama programme the board of UK Athletics has met and tasked this group with undertaking a focussed review of the performance management system surrounding Mo Farah and the Endurance programme, engaging relevant independent experts where required. This review will begin immediately.

The board has also spoken to Neil Black and Mo Farah and informed them of this course of action, which both have welcomed and supported.

Meanwhile, Farah, speaking at a press conference on Saturday, expressed his anger at being indirectly caught up in the accusations but the double Olympic gold medallist will only split with Salazar if the claims are proven to be true. 

'My reputation is being ruined,' Farah said. 'You guys are killing me. These are questions that need answering.

'I am not leaving Alberto as I have not seen any clear evidence. If the allegations are true and Alberto has crossed the line then I will be the first person to leave.

Farah spoke out about allegation by BBC's Panorama about his coach, Alberto Salazar

Farah spoke out about allegation by BBC's Panorama about his coach, Alberto Salazar

'I'm really angry and it is not fair my name is being dragged through the mud.'

Farah says he has spoken to Salazar about the allegations and has been assured that he will prove his innocence.

'I spoke to him last (Friday) night and I asked what’s going on, I need some answers,' Farah said. 'He said "Mo I can prove this to you, they are just allegations, I will show you evidence". It’s not in my control, I wanted answers, are they true, not true.

'It’s just not right that something I worked so hard for and all I achieved but my name is associated with Alberto and it’s all Mo, Mo, Mo.' 

Farah won two gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the 10,000m and the 5,000m

Farah won two gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the 10,000m and the 5,000m

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