Updated at 15.20
MO FARAH PLANS to continue his relationship with Alberto Salazar, but has demanded answers from the coach in relation to recent doping allegations.
An angry Farah expressed his fury at his name being “dragged through the mud” after a BBC documentary, which aired on Wednesday, alleged that highly regarded long-distance coach Salazar and one of his athletes, Galen Rupp, were involved in doping practices.
Double Olympic champion Farah is also trained by Salazar, although there has been no suggestion that the Briton has done anything wrong. Farah has spoken to Salazar and is demanding the 56-year-old proves his innocence, but stated he will not end their relationship unless it is proven the coach has broken the rules.
“I’m not leaving Alberto. I’ve not seen any clear evidence. I have spoken to him, I spoke to him last night and got on the phone and said ‘what’s going on, I need some answers’,” Farah said at a news conference on Saturday.
“He said ‘I can prove it, I’ll show you the evidence’. I’m angry at this situation, I haven’t done anything but my name is getting dragged through the mud.
“It’s not in my control but I need answers and to know what’s what. Are they [the allegations] true? Are they not true? If they are and he’s crossed a line, I’ll be the first to leave him.
“It’s not right, everything I’ve achieved and my name is getting associated with Alberto. I’m angry at the situation.
“For sure, my reputation is getting ruined, you guys [in the media] are killing me.”
Earlier on Saturday, UK Athletics released a statement saying they had “absolutely no concerns” over Salazar’s coaching methods with Farah.
Farah, who won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 metre races at London 2012, also categorically stated that he has never used drugs.
“I’m a clean athlete, against drugs and anyone who isn’t should be banned for life,” he added. “I want to know the answers and the easiest thing to do would be to jump. But if you [Salazar] can’t show me proof, I’m out. I will be talking to people because it’s my reputation.
“The headline is always ‘Mo coach’ and it’s not fair on my family, my kids. I want the memories, the 75,000 people cheering for me at the Olympics. They should know the truth too.
“If you [the media] have anything on me then bring it. I’m happy to share anything I need, it’s not about me, it’s about Alberto. Let’s see if Alberto can prove to us [that he is innocent], until then there’s nothing I can do.”
Rupp is a training partner of Farah’s and clinched the silver medal in the 10,000m at the London Games.
Farah has not spoken to the American regarding the allegations, but believes Rupp will have questions to answer.
“To be honest I haven’t spoken to him [Rupp] – the one person I’ve spoken to is Alberto,” he said.
“If these allegations are true ultimately when I line up against him I have to beat him. He has to answer some questions.”
