UK government orders inquiry after doctor alleged to doped 150 athletes

The government has ordered an inquiry into the UK Anti-Doping Agency (Ukad) over its handling of an investigation into alleged doping activities by a doctor involving Premier League footballers and other leading athletes.

According to a Sunday Times investigation, Mark Bonar - a London-based private doctor - charges sports stars thousands of pounds for drug programs.

The newspaper says it has secretly filmed the medic claiming that he has prescribed performance-enhancing drugs such as EPO, steroids and human growth hormone to 150 elite sports professionals from the UK and abroad over the past six years, including several Premier League footballers, an England cricket international, British cyclists and tennis players.

There is no suggestion that any Premier League clubs were aware of any alleged wrongdoing and the Sunday Times says it has no independent evidence Bonar treated the players.

Bonar has told the Sunday Times he treated the athletes for medical reasons and not to enhance their performance. There is no suggestion the substances were illegal.

Athletes contacted by the newspaper either denied Bonar had treated them or declined to comment.

The government investigation stems from claims made by a whistleblower athlete who was banned for breaching anti-doping rules in 2014.

Source: MENA