Russia has problem with doping in schools, minister says

Published Feb. 3, 2015 5:20 a.m. ET

foxsports

MOSCOW (AP) Russia Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko says child athletes are taking banned substances while still at school.

Mutko vowed to crack down on the practice, which he suggested was the result of a system where youth coaches can be paid sizeable bonuses when young athletes win competitions.

While discussing ways to strengthen Russia's anti-doping enforcement, Mutko said ''we will go down to children's sports schools to give a slap on the wrist to coaches who want to win some kind of championship at any price and get a bonus,'' in comments reported by R-Sport.

The World Anti-Doping Agency and the IAAF have each opened investigations into claims of systematic doping by Russian athletes.