German television questions the credibility of IAAF Anti-Doping Delegate

A large quantity of data, leaked by a whistleblower in 2015, containing suspicious blood values of numerous athletes, puts into question the credibility of Giuseppe Fischetto, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Anti-Doping Delegate at the recent World Championships in London.

The leaked data originally came from a hard drive belonging to Fischetto, according to German ARD News. Thus, Fischetto had for many years, access to the blood values of more than 12,000 blood tests taken from around 5,000 athletes.

Moreover, while serving as an Anti-Doping official, Fischetto was also an official of the Italian track and field federation, and he sustained good relations with Russia years before its state-sponsored doping system was revealed. As such, Fischetto found himself in a serious conflict of interests, ARD concludes.

Telephone recordings obtained by Italian authorities in 2013 reveal that although Fischetto knew that the suspicious blood values were a fiery issue, he attempted to conceal the widespread doping practice in track and field.

“I hope this doesn't seep through, otherwise there will be a huge international fiasco. Just imagine if the Russians' data is exposed or the data of the Turks or the others. After all, I'm in the IAAF Commission,” Fischetto said in a phone call he had with people from his inner circle, according to ARD.

Furthermore, the telephone recordings reveal that former IAAF President, Lamine Diack, was backing the Italians actions. “He supports me in every possible way and says I should continue as I’m doing,” Fischetto said. French authorities are currently investigating Lamine Diack who is accused of corruption – also connected to the cover-up of doping cases.

The telephone recordings, already published by the Italian media, thus far has had no consequences for Giuseppe Fischetto. Fischetto is currently employed by the IAAF as an Anti-Doping Delegate for the World Championships in London.

The IAAF has justified its decision saying that “there is no question about Fischetto’s integrity and professionalism.” Moreover, the Italian National Olympic Committee says it has been unable to find faults in the official’s behaviour, writes ARD.

Fischetto himself will not comment on the issue.