Moscow, Sep 20 (IANS): The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has sent a letter concerning the reinstatement of Russian track and field athletes, the country's sports minister said.

The All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) has received a letter from IAAF on the reinstatement of Russian track and field athletes, Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Tuesday, reports Sputnik. It was not immediately clear what the IAAF letter stipulated. 

"We received a certain letter from IAAF on the reinstatement, we will discuss our next steps on reinstatement today," Mutko told reporters, noting that the athletic governing body's criteria "should be attainable". 

All but one Russian track athlete were banned from taking part in international competitions, including the Rio Olympics in August this year.

The IAAF first banned ARAF last November and upheld its decision in June this year following a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report accusing Russia of breaching global anti-doping regulations.

In July, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against 68 Russian athletes in their appeal against international athletics' ban from international competitions.