UK Athletics clears Mo Farah's trainer Alberto Salazar after investigation

UKA revealed the results of its investigation into Salazar and his training operation at the US-based Nike Oregon Project on Friday morning, reiterating its initial stance that there is "no evidence of any impropriety" from Farah - or any reason to doubt any elements of his training programme, which is overseen by Salazar.

Earlier in the year, a BBC Panorama programme publicised allegations that Salazar practised doping techniques with some of his athletes, accusations that the coach denies. There was no suggestion in the programme that Farah had any involvement whatsoever.

However, UKA announced it would formally review the relationship between Salazar and Farah. The results of the investigation were carried out by the Performance Oversnight Group.

“In July we said that there was no evidence of any impropriety on the part of Mo Farah and no reason to lack confidence in his training programme," the statement said. "The Oversight Group have restated that view today. They have also found no reason to be concerned about the engagement of other British athletes and coaches with the Oregon Project.

“The review established that the vast majority of the endurance program’s interaction with the Oregon Project is in fact focussed on Mo Farah, with very little other UK Athletics related activity. Coaching and support for Mo Farah will remain the focus of our engagement with the Oregon Project.

“The Oversight Group has made a number of organisational and procedural recommendations which UK Athletics’ Performance Director Neil Black will take forward and implement over the coming months."

The accusations surrounding the Oregon Project will now be further investigated by the United States Anti-Doping Authority (USADA).

The UKA statement continued: “Obviously since our review was set up USADA announced that it was conducting an investigation into allegations made in respect of staff within the Oregon Project. USADA is clearly the right body to look at anti-doping issues.

"They have asked us not to give any further details of our review until their work has concluded. We respect their request and are of course giving them our fullest support and co-operation.”

However, the timing of the announcement has already caused controversy - with critics pointing out that Friday's announcement, perhaps timed to coincide with the start of the Rugby World Cup, almost guarantees a limited focus on the report.