The documentary also contended that the corruption extends beyond Russia and implicated the IAAF in covering up the abuse – allegations the international athletics’ governing body responded to on Thursday.

“The IAAF has noted a number of grave allegations regarding doping activities related to the sport of athletics in Russia, which have been broadcast on the German TV channel ZDF/ARD on 3 December 2014,” the statement read.

“An investigation by the IAAF ethics commission is already ongoing with respect to some of the allegations made in the documentary.

“We would like to underline that the IAAF ethics commission is completely independent of the IAAF and has full powers to investigate and issue sanctions when relevant.

“A transcript in English of the German TV documentary has been forwarded to the ethics commission.

“With regard to matters revealed in the documentary related to anti-doping and therefore, outside the scope of the ethics commission, these will be studied carefully and dealt with according to the relevant IAAF rules and in full co-operation with WADA. ”

On Wednesday, WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) vowed to fully investigate the allegations.

The Russian city of Sochi hosted the Winter Olympics earlier this year, while the country will stage the World Cup for the first time in 2018.

Moscow, the Russian capital, hosted the World Athletics Championships in 2013.