An independent commission established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recommended that the IAAF suspend the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF), while alleging "corruption and bribery" at the highest levels of international athletics.
The commission, led by former WADA president Dick Pound, was set up to investigate allegations of systematic cheating and cover-ups within Russian athletics — following claims made in a German television documentary last year.
MORE: Spectacular photos from Sochi Winter Games | Police raid IAAF HQ
In a lengthy report presented in Geneva on Monday, the commission revealed it had found existence of "widespread cheating through the use of doping substances and methods," while suggesting the 2012 Olympics in London "were, in a sense, sabotaged by the admission of athletes who should not have been competing and could have been prevented from competing."
Life bans were recommended for five Russian athletes, four coaches and the chief of the ARAF Medical Commission.
A section of the report read: "Evidence of extensive doping use is supported and confirmed by audio and video evidence, scientific evidence, corroborative statements, cyber analysis and related reporting documents. Numerous statements corroborate the original allegations and further detail the extensive use of doping substances and blood doping within Russian athletics.
"In addition, evidence exists that confirms that coaches have attempted to manipulate or interfere with doping reports and testing procedures. They are also the source and counseling of athletes' use of PEDs [performance-enhancing drugs]. The coaches are supported in their doping efforts by certain medical professionals. Moreover, it is particularly alarming that there appears to be a collective disregard for the athletes' current or future state of health."
The commission also found grounds for serious concern within the IAAF, athletics' global governing body, adding: "This report also identifies corruption and bribery practices at the highest levels of international athletics, evidence of which has been transmitted to Interpol for appropriate investigation.
"Publication of the information will be delayed until decisions are taken by the competent authorities regarding potential criminal prosecutions, but it is hoped and intended that the IC [independent commission] will publish the full information prior to the end of 2015."
So where does IAAF stand?
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is to consider sanctions that 'could include provisional and full suspension' against Russia after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) commission recommended the country be banned from competition.
A report published on Monday said the commission — set up to investigate allegations of systematic cheating and cover-ups within Russian athletics — had found existence of "widespread cheating through the use of doping substances and methods".
In addition, it suggested the 2012 Olympic Games in London "were, in a sense, sabotaged by the admission of athletes who should not have been competing and could have been prevented from competing".
The commission also recommended life bans for five Russian athletes, four coaches and the chief of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) Medical Commission.
An IAAF statement read: "In response to WADA's Independent Commission report issued today, the IAAF President, Sebastian Coe, has taken the urgent step of seeking approval from his fellow IAAF Council Members to consider sanctions against the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF). These sanctions could include provisional and full suspension and the removal of future IAAF events."
Commenting on the report, Coe said: "The information in WADA's Independent Commissions Report is alarming. We need time to properly digest and understand the detailed findings included in the report.
"However, I have urged the Council to start the process of considering sanctions against ARAF. This step has not been taken lightly.
"Our athletes, partners and fans have my total assurance that where there are failures in our governance or our anti-doping programmes we will fix them. We will do whatever it takes to protect the clean athletes and rebuild trust in our sport.
"The IAAF will continue to offer the police authorities our full co-operation into their ongoing investigation."
— IAAF report contributed by Omnisport's Nicholas McGee