The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) condemns the release of internal information related to athletes and investigations taken from a breach of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) systems by the cyber-attack group, Fancy Bears.
The group leaked confidential information on high profile, ongoing anti-doping investigations, which risks compromising a successful outcome of these investigations. Information provided by informants to the AIU and other authorities concerning individuals that they suspected of possible doping was also released; the disclosure of this information not only puts the safety of these informants at risk but will also deter other informants or whistleblowers from coming forward and speaking out against doping at a time when the anti-doping in sport community needs them most.
"The criminal act of stealing such information and releasing it in the public domain is deplorable, and it seriously undermines the global fight against doping, and the efforts made by the AIU and others to uphold clean athletics," said Athletics Integrity Unit Chair, David Howman.
"The continued release of such partial, misleading and out-of-context information will be seen for what it is: an irresponsible attempt to distract from the global clean sport effort," added Howman.
The release of data by Fancy Bears includes information, taken from email exchanges, concerning athletes subject to IAAF anti-doping programmes. The AIU wishes to stress that this information is incomplete, misleading, and has been provided without context. The information in no way provides a final determination on whether or not an athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation.
The Athletics Integrity Unit will not be commenting on any individual information or data that has been obtained illegally and released in the public domain, nor will the Unit comment on ongoing investigations and disciplinary or legal matters concerning athletes.
The AIU is collaborating with the individuals and organisations implicated, and continues to encourage any parties concerned to contact us if they require further clarification. In addition to the security measures taken by the IAAF, the AIU has also taken immediate corrective measures to manage and limit future risks to its systems.
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