The Russian Athletics Federation (VFLA) confirmed yesterday that Valentin Balakhnichev has offered his resignation as President. Current Vice President Vadim Zelichenok will take charge as Acting President until a new election takes place after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Balakhnichev (pictured, centre) has been under pressure to resign since late last year, when a German TV documentary alleged systematic doping within Russian athletics. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are currently investigating the allegations made in the documentary, including that the IAAF was complicit in covering up tests. The terms of reference for the investigation, published last month, state that a report on the allegations will be published by 31 December 2015 ‘at the latest’.