LONDON, (AP):

Former World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound vowed yesterday to get to the bottom of (WADA) allegations of systematic doping in Russia as he leads an investigation into a case that has shaken the sport of track and field.

"We're not there to whitewash anything," Pound told the Associated Press. "We're there to get the facts, reach conclusions and make recommendations."

Pound will head a three-person independent panel that will investigate the "grave" accusations of widespread doping, cover-ups and corruption in Russia that were broadcast by German television network ARD.

Veteran Canadian sports arbitrator Richard McLaren will also serve on the commission, while a third member will be announced later. WADA said the investigation will begin next month.

The panel will seek to determine if there have been any violations of the World Anti-Doping Code by athletes, coaches, doctors, trainers and WADA-accredited laboratories that could lead to sanctions against individuals or organisations.

investigate fully

WADA said the panel will review the evidence aired by the German broadcaster as well as "other information received separately" by the agency.

The appointment of Pound indicates that WADA will investigate fully and without restriction.

The outspoken Canadian IOC member took a tough line in his decade as WADA's first chairman from 1999-2008. He previously led the International Olympic Committee's internal probe into the Salt Lake City bid scandal that resulted in the resignation or expulsion of 10 members.

Pound said he was already familiar with past problems at the Russian doping lab.