MOscow, Dec 6 (IANS): Terming the allegations of rampant doping as "lies", the Russian Athletics Federation (RAF) has threatened legal action against the German television documentary that claimed that corruption was rife within the sport in the country.

"The federation believe the documentary was a provocation aimed at discrediting Russian sport," RAF president Valentin Balakhnichev was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"We are looking at all our options to defend our rights. If it is possible under Russian and German law, we will take the appropriate legal action for the slanderous allegations made against us," Balakhnichev added.

The documentary, an hour-long programme, was shown by Das Erste TV channel Wednesday.

It showed an undercover video of Russian athletes and coaches admitting to doping and covering up positive tests.

The documentary also implicated the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in the cover-up.