Pound points finger

"Frankly, we think we are dealing with doping," Pound, also an International Olympic Committee member, told Reuters. "It is too much of a coincidence to have 12 athletes with hugely high Hb levels just before the Games."

A total of 12 athletes, all cross-country skiers, registered high haemoglobin (Hb) values and were suspended by the International Skiing Federation for five days due to health concerns.

The FIS said high altitude training was the most likely cause for the rise in the Hb level. They were suspended pending re-testing before their competitions. Several of them had reduced levels after re-testing and were allowed to compete.

Pound said the FIS was brushing the problem aside by calling it a health issue.

"I think we are going to have another look (after the Games). It is easier to deal with it as a health problem than doping problem."

"They (FIS) might be afraid that they are not able to prove that they were drugged."

Current medal table