IAAF president Sebastian Coe welcomes lifetime bans to three senior officials

IAAF president Sebastian Coe has thanked the body's ethics commission for sending a 'strong message' by giving three senior officials lifetime bans.

Former Russian Athletics Federation president Valentin Balakhnichev, ex-Russian Federation long-distance coach Alexei Melnikov and Papa Massata Diack, who is the son for former president Lamine Diack, have been banned for life.

The sanctions were announced on Thursday following last month's three-day hearing in relation to allegations that senior officials accepted bribes to cover up doping.

Former IAAF anti-doping director Gabriel Dolle has been banned for five years.

In response to the sanctions, Coe said in a statement: "I'd like to thank the independent IAAF Ethics Board for their diligent and detailed investigation.

"The life bans announced today could not send a stronger message that those who attempt to corrupt or subvert the sport of athletics will be brought to justice.

"We continue to work with the French authorities' investigation and the WADA's Independent Commission."

Coe was elected president of the IAAF in August last year.