Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah is set to retain the service of Alberto Salazar, despite the recent allegations that he plyed one of his athletes with illegal drugs.

Farah is yet to break his silence regarding the accusations levelled against the coach, but is expected to speak at some time on Saturday afternoon.

However, UK Athletics released a shock statement barely two hours before Farah was due to speak, confirming that they have no problem with their athletes working with Salazar.

“Whilst acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, UK Athletics can confirm it has had absolutely no concerns over the conduct and coaching methods of Alberto Salazar in relation to Mo Farah or in his role as an endurance consultant,” they said.

“As an organisation with a proven anti-doping commitment, we view the allegations made in regard of non-British athletes who have been coached by Alberto Salazar with utmost seriousness.

“It is the role of the appropriate independent anti-doping agencies to investigate these further.

“We repeat our call for them to do so at the earliest opportunity, and to share those findings so that we can take any appropriate actions.

“With regard to British athletes we believe that the process/safeguards and systems that we have in place around our own athletes are appropriate.”

Salazar, who has worked as a consultant for UK Athletics since 2013, is alleged to have given Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Galen Rupp drugs throughout his career.