The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has confirmed that Russian race-walking coach Viktor Chegin is under investigation in connection to alleged doping. Chegin was fired by the Russian Athletics Federation (VFLA) in 2014, after an investigation by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) implicated a Mordovian race-walking centre named after him in a doping case.

“We have a procedure to follow, but the case is being investigated”, said IAAF anti-doping manager Thomas Capdevielle in a conference call yesterday. “We need to find evidence to support the data and if the federation does not act, we can provisionally suspend a coach. But we have to be respectful of the WADA process as Chegin may be part of the overall investigations in Russia.”

In January, five Russian race walkers were disqualified for doping by RUSADA, all of which were coached by Chegin. The disqualifications stemmed from an investigation into the Mordovian race-walking centre, where Chegin (pictured) is  still listed as head coach.