Fredericks steps aside from Taskforce following allegations made against him in French newspaper Le Monde

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Athletes' Commission chairperson Rozle Prezelj has been appointed by IAAF president Sebastian Coe to replace IAAF Council Member Frank Fredericks on the IAAF Taskforce.

Fredericks had formed part of the five-strong Taskforce, which is coordinating the re-admittance process concerning the suspended Russian athletics federation RusAF, but has stepped aside following allegations made in the French newspaper Le Monde.

"I have decided to step aside from the Taskforce so that the integrity of its work is not questioned due to the allegations made against me in Le Monde," said Fredericks. "It is important that the Taskforce’s mission is seen as free and fair with no outside influence."

Fredericks, who is the honorary chairperson of the IAAF Athletes’ Commission and a former chairperson of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, represented the athletes’ voice on the Taskforce.

Prezelj, the Slovenian former high jumper who represented his country at four IAAF World Championships and three Olympic Games, already serves as an ex-officio member of the IAAF Council.

The IAAF has announced that Prezelj (pictured above) joins independent chair Rune Andersen and three IAAF Council members - Abby Hoffman, Anna Riccardi and Geoff Gardner - on the Taskforce with immediate effect.

"The IAAF Taskforce’s work is of utmost importance in rebuilding confidence in Russia whose national system has failed the aspirations of clean athletes and the integrity of competition," said Coe.

"Their coordination with RusAF and the monitoring of its acceptance of and adherence to the verification criteria and reinstatement conditions is crucial as we work to return athletes to international competition in a safe environment for all."