Russia sports minister Mutko: British anti-doping system worse than ours

Mutko also pledged Russia would adopt new measures to clamp down on the problem including devising new testing methods and possibly opening criminal cases against athletes suspected of cheating.

He was speaking after an independent commission established by the World Anti-Doping Commission (WADA) accused Russian athletes, aided by officials, of engaging in systematic and widespread doping.

WADA's report also accused Russia of "sabotaging" the London Olympics in 2012, and Mutko hit out at the UK for their procedures during the event.

"We're hearing that medals won by our athletes in London must be taken away. But it's the British system of doping control that operated there, " said Mutko.

"It was Britain's anti-doping organisation under the leadership of the International Olympic Committee.

"Each medal winner was tested for doping and received their medal only after having tested negative."

Mutko also told Russian news agency Interfax the British system had "zero value".

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said of the UK system: "It is highly valued by Britain's sports governing bodies and our clean athletes."