The International Olympic Committee has claimed that it is 'shocked and saddened' by the Russian doping allegations that have come to light from a World Anti-Doping Agency independent commission.

Calls for Russia to be banned from athletics competition have been made following a damning report into alleged doping, cover-ups and extortion.

The IAAF has also been implicated, while the Russian government has been accused of complicity in widespread doping and cover-ups.

A statement from the IOC read: "This is a deeply shocking report and very saddening for the world of sport. The IOC trusts that the new leadership of the IAAF with its president Sebastian Coe will draw all the necessary conclusions and will take all the necessary measures. In this context the IOC welcomes the clear commitment expressed by IAAF to do 'whatever it takes to protect the clean athletes and rebuild trust in our sport'.

"The protection of the clean athletes is a top priority for the International Olympic Committee. This is why in Olympic Agenda 2020 the IOC has undertaken far reaching measures in this commitment.

"With regard to the Olympic Games, the IOC will continue to take whatever measures needed to safeguard clean athletes, clean sport and good governance. In the most recent Olympic Summit meeting we have decided to make testing independent from sports organisations and have entrusted WADA to come up with proposals.

"The IOC will also carefully study the report with regard to the Olympic Games. If any infringements on the anti-doping rules by athletes and or their entourage should be established, the IOC will react with its usual zero tolerance policy. We support the attempt of the independent commission to bring all the facts to light in the interest of the integrity of the sport and the protection of the cleans athletes."

The committee has also called for former IAAF president Lamine Diack to have his honorary membership provisionally suspended while he is investigated for alleged corruption and money laundering.