FACTBOX-Athletics-Reaction to Salazar's four-year ban for doping violations

Following are reactions to the news that American athletics coach Alberto Salazar has been handed a four-year ban for doping violations on Tuesday. ALBERTO SALAZAR

"I am shocked by the outcome today. Throughout this six-year investigation my athletes and I have endured unjust, unethical and highly damaging treatment from USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency). "This is demonstrated by the misleading statement released by Travis Tygart stating that we put winning ahead of athlete safety. This is completely false and contrary to the findings of the arbitrators...

"I have always ensured the WADA code is strictly followed. The Oregon Project has never and will never permit doping. "I will appeal and look forward to this unfair and protracted process reaching the conclusion I know to be true. I will not be commenting further at this time."

BRITISH MULTIPLE OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPION MO FARAH, PREVIOUSLY COACHED BY SALAZAR "I'm relieved that USADA has, after four years, completed their investigation into Alberto Salazar.

"I left the Nike Oregon Project in 2017 but as I've always said, I have no tolerance for anyone who breaks the rules or crosses a line. "A ruling has been made and I'm glad there has finally been a conclusion."

WOMEN'S 10,000M CHAMPION SIFAN HASSAN, WHO JOINED SALAZAR'S NIKE OREGON PROJECT IN 2016 "I am shocked to receive the news of today's ruling, especially during this time in which I am fully preparing for my next race in the world championships in Doha.

"I like to state that this investigation is focused on the period before I joined the Oregon Project and therefore has no relation to me. "I was aware of the ongoing investigations when I joined the team and have always had a clean conscience, knowing we are being monitored to the absolute fullest by USADA and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

"I'm saddened by the timing of USADA as it brings my championship out of balance but I will focus all my energy on my next race and my performance in the 1500m." NIKE

"Today's decision had nothing to do with administering banned substances to any Oregon Project athlete. As the panel noted, they were struck by the amount of care Alberto took to ensure he was complying with the World Anti-Doping Code. "We support Alberto in his decision to appeal and wish him the full measure of due process that the rules require. Nike does not condone the use of banned substances in any manner."

USA TRACK & FIELD (USATF) "USATF's commitment to clean sport and a level playing field for all athletes cannot be overstated. USATF's focus remains on the health and well-being of its athletes.

"USATF has taken the steps necessary to have Mr. Salazar's IAAF World Championships accreditation deactivated." UK ATHLETICS

"At all times UK Athletics fully cooperated with both USADA and UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) throughout the investigations. "Furthermore the Performance Oversight Committee's own investigation in 2015 was restricted to the interaction of the Nike Oregon Project with Mo Farah and not an anti-doping investigation.

"Such investigations can and should only be undertaken by the relevant anti-doping authorities." SERGEY KLEVTSOV, COACH OF FORMER 110M HURDLES WORLD CHAMPION SERGEY SHUBENKOV

"I think the approach in these types of investigations needs to be the same for everyone, no matter what country you represent."