The head of the Kenyan athletics federation has dismissed claims by two banned athletes that he asked for money to reduce their doping suspensions, describing the allegation as a "fabrication".
Joy Sakari and Francisca Koki Manunga told the Associated Press that federation CEO Isaac Mwangi asked each athlete for $24,000 (Sh2.45 million) to reduce the four-year bans they were given after testing positive for a banned substance during last year's world championships in Beijing.
Mwangi, who was appointed CEO in 2013, has denied that any conversation took place regarding any sort of payment.
"It's just a fabrication because according to the rules, if you are caught doping, the sanction is very standard," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.
"It's very interesting that people are saying that they are being asked for money because once the decision is heard and determined, it's very clear there is no way Athletics Kenya can reduce the suspensions.
"These are just allegations that we will definitely follow up and get to know what is the motive behind this."
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it was "extremely troubled" by the reports.
"WADA is most disturbed by these reports regarding extortion and bribery at the national level of sport," WADA Director General David Howman said in a statement.
