PARIS: The World Anti-Doping Agency says it is concerned by new findings, reported by The Associated Press, that track and field officials contemplated ways to hide the full extent of Russian doping before the 2012 Olympics.

The AP reported Tuesday that IAAF officials were already so concerned about Russia's doping crisis as far back as 2009 that they feared athletes could die from blood-boosting drugs and transfusions.

In a statement to AP, WADA described the findings as "most concerning" and said they warranted investigation.

The IAAF said the proposed hush-up of Russian doping bans, which would have violated WADA rules, wasn't put into practice.