Following fresh allegations over Russian doping in athletics, a sports expert said in Moscow on Wednesday (13th January) that the country's track and field team may be dealt a very 'harsh punishment'

SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Pavel Kopachev, Editor at sports.ru:

"Of course, it (doping) could have cost them (athletes) their lives, but medals are on a state account for us. Any medal is important. Medal plans are set by the Sports Ministry and the Russian Olympic Committee. And considering the fact that athletes at the Summer Olympics bring us the most medals, we are ready to do everything to get them.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Pavel Kopachev, Editor at sports.ru:

"No one, not even at the highest level, knows what will happen. The decision will be made by the anti-doping commission that is about to publish a new report. But even their report serves only as a recommendation. However, because of the political situation and us getting so deeply stuck in the doping scandal, I think the punishment may be very harsh. And if our team is not allowed to go to Rio we'll fall really low."