Four officials have resigned at RUSADA, which was declared non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency ©Getty Images

Four members of the leadership at the under-fire Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) have resigned following the explosive reports of state-supported doping within the country's athletics programme.

RUSADA was heavily criticised in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Independent Commission report, which revealed the allegations against the country and prompted the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to ban Russia from international competition.

The departures include acting director Nikita Kamayev.

"All four leaders of RUSADA, including Nikita Kamayev, have resigned," a RUSADA spokesman told AFP.

"Anna Antseliovich has been named interim general director."

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined a tough stance on doping today
Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined a tough stance on doping today ©Getty Images

RUSADA was suspended by WADA in November after being found non-compliant with its code, and the accreditation of its laboratory in Moscow was withdrawn.

Director Grigory Rodchenkov, who WADA had demanded was sacked, resigned, after being identified as a key figure in the Independent Commission report.

He was accused of covering up positive tests, extorting money from athletes and destroying 1,417 samples before inspectors had a chance to visit.

Russia's sports minister Vitaly Mutko has previously said that RUSADA would not be disbanded, but that a new team of staff would be hired.

The All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) has now been sent a list of conditions and verification criteria for reinstatement by the IAAF.

No time-frame for this has been set, however, putting their participation at the Rio 2016 Olympics in doubt.

The country's President Vladimir Putin today outlined a tough stance on doping.

"Russia must and will be open for a joint fight on doping," he said.

“I will order officials on all levels to cooperate openly with international bodies, not cover up anything.

"It’s in our interests.”



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