Russia denies links to hacking US stars' medical records

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko angrily denied suggestions the hacking of confidential medical records belonging to leading American sports stars has anything to do with the Russian state.

The records were held by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and relate to “therapeutic use exemptions” granted to certain athletes so they can take medication - prescribed by a doctor and verified by an independent panel - that would normally be banned because of its performance-enhancing qualities.

WADA confirmed it had been the subject of repeated cyber attacks by a Russian-based group known as the Tsar Team or Fancy Bears.