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Scandal could cost international track federation hundreds of millions of dollars

Camera teams follow IAAF President Sebastian Coe in Munich, Germany, on Jan. 14.

Camera teams follow IAAF President Sebastian Coe in Munich, Germany, on Jan. 14.

(Kerstin Joensson / Associated Press)
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The struggle to rejuvenate track and field after months of scandal-ridden headlines could get even tougher in coming days.

Adidas, a major sponsor, might terminate its long-term deal with the sport’s international federation, according to multiple reports.

“Adidas has a clear anti-doping policy in place,” the German shoe company said in a release. “Therefore, we are in close contact with the IAAF to learn more about their reform process.”

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If Adidas walks away, the IAAF and its commercial partner could lose hundreds of millions of dollars, the BBC reported.

The federation’s former president, Lamine Diack, is facing a criminal investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering. He and other IAAF officials have been implicated in alleged widespread doping among Russian track athletes.

Sebastian Coe, the Olympic champion runner, recently took over as federation president and has announced a plan for reform.

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