IAAF ethics board closes probe into alleged Qatar bribery

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

LONDON (AP) The IAAF's ethics board will not open a formal investigation into a British official's claim of bribery by Qatar's bid to host the 2017 world track and field championships.

Ethics investigators for track and field's governing body say they will not probe further ''simply on the basis of any rumors'' that could not be traced to current IAAF President Sebastian Coe.

Investigations began in January after UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner claimed IAAF voters were offered bribes before a November 2011 vote in Monaco, which London won over Doha.

Warner said an IAAF official, later identified as Coe, told him of rumored cash-filled brown envelopes.

Ethics investigators say Coe stated he ''has no recollection of hearing such a rumor'' or telling it to Warner.

The case stalled with ''no documentary evidence.''

Doha subsequently beat Barcelona and Eugene, Oregon, in a vote for the 2019 championships.