Former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) Dick Pound is to head an independent commission investigating allegations of systematic doping and cover-ups in Russia.

The lawyer will chair the three-man commission and will be joined by a fellow Canadian, Professor Richard McLaren, a longstanding member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

It follows a programme broadcast by German TV station ARD on doping in Russia. It alleged that up to 99 per cent of the Russian Olympic team were doping and that a network of corruption – involving officials at the Russian anti-doping agency (Rusada), the doping control laboratory in Moscow, as well as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) – has been put in place to cover up positive tests.

It also alleged the IAAF world athletics body failed to follow up on suspicious blood tests from more than 150 athletes, including three from Britain.

The Wada president Craig Reedie said: "Wada is pleased that Mr Richard Pound and Professor Richard McLaren have agreed to look into the grave doping allegations that came to light through the recent German television broadcasts.

“The independent commission has the vital task of reviewing the allegations aired during the documentaries, as well as all other information received separately by Wada, to determine if there have been any violations to anti-doping rules.

“Once the investigation is concluded, if it is found that there have been violations or breaches of the rules, Wada will ensure that any individuals or organisations concerned are dealt with in an appropriate fashion under the World Anti-Doping Code.

“The commission will be given the resources it needs in order for the investigation to be carried out thoroughly, and so that, in turn, clean athletes across the world are reassured that the anti-doping system is working in their best interests.”

A third member of the independent commission will be announced by Wada at a later stage.