LONDON, England (AP) — Britain’s anti-doping agency is investigating claims that American long-distance running coach Alberto Salazar encouraged athletes at the Nike Oregon Project to skirt anti-doping rules.

The US Anti-Doping Agency is already looking into the claims.

UK Anti-Doping said in a statement it is gathering information following allegations made by former Salazar assistant Steve Magness and former Salazar runner Kara Goucher about the coach in a story by American investigative website ProPublica and the BBC last month.

Salazar has published a 12,000-word letter online disputing the allegations, saying the Oregon Project he leads “will never permit doping”.

Salazar, who is a consultant for British Athletics, coaches Mo Farah, and the Olympic champion over 5,000 and 10,000 metres, said he welcomed the investigation by UKAD.

“I believe in him. But it’s no point in me just believing him. He needs to prove it to the public,” Farah said in an interview with British broadcaster Sky Sports shown yesterday.

Farah has said he will continue to work with Salazar following his coach’s detailed denial of the claims, but insisted he would end the association if the American was found to have “crossed the line”.

“It’s taken me half of my life to achieve what I have,” said Farah, who is also the world 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres champion. “For people to think I’ve taken a shortcut, it’s not right and it’s not fair. I’m 100 per cent clean.

“If I’m a cheat, then prove I’m a cheat or just leave me alone and let me do what I do best.”