The Athletics World Cup is over and a week has passed since the US anti-doping agency Usada sentenced Alberto Salazar to four years of suspension for doping violations - and the coach's accreditation was withdrawn in Doha.

At home from the TV couch, Arne Ljungqvist sums up a remarkable World Cup.

- It is sad that there has been such a poor public connection. Then it's not as fun to be there. It was mainly it and the heat that made me not go there myself. But the competitions have kept high quality and have been exciting, he says.

The former vice-president of the international anti-doping agency Wada, like many others, questions the choice of the organizer state - and also feels saddened that the cheating among leaders and activists is proving to continue to a large extent at the international top level.

- I am very disappointed, I must say. After all, it is not only in Russia that this occurs and you are disappointed every time it happens.

"Heard rumors"

US coach Alberto Salazar was convicted of organizing doping in his Nike Oregon training project, which previously included, among others, British Olympic and World Cup gold medalist Mo Farah.

- I had heard rumors about this guy (Salazar). It was just a snack, but obviously there were grounds for it. It's sad that things like this happen in 2019. I mean, my God! It is almost 20 years since Usada was formed.

Arne Ljungqvist continues:

- It's lousy. It's shameful. I suppose it's as Usada claims, though he (Salazar) may appeal. There is no reason to doubt this. No, the disappointment is great.

Medalists suspect

TT: You weren't immediately surprised when you heard about the verdict?

- No no. And it's always sad when it comes to a World Cup. It puts things in the mood and there is speculation around those who are part of the stable.

The aftermath of the verdict has largely revolved around Dutchman Sifan Hassan, World Cup gold winner at 1,500 and 10,000 meters in Doha, who has Alberto Salazar as coach. This is also the case for the German bronze medalist at 5,000 meters, Konstanze Klosterhalfen. That they are exposed to speculation and suspicions is natural, says Arne Ljungqvist.

- Yes, it will be. They must be prepared for some speculation. They have to explain and defend themselves. This invites speculation, it would be naive to believe otherwise.

According to Ljungqvist, the scandal surrounding Alberto Salazar is in par with when cyclist Lance Armstrong acknowledged that he was doped in 2012 and when the Balco lab failed to provide American athletes with banned drugs in the early 2000s.

- I have great faith in Usada. They have cleaned up a lot in the American doping swamp, because it was a swamp, says Ljungqvist.